The 1978 independent counsel law was designed to create an impartial prosecutor to increase public confidence that high-ranking government officials accused of misconduct would be fairly investigated. Many independent counsels have come under bipartisan criticism for being overzealous. Such overzealousness and excessive persistence may not be the random result of isolated personalities but may instead be the predictable outcome of escalation determinants embedded in the position of independent counsel. The author outlines these escalation determinants, shows how they may have influenced independent counsels, demonstrates how they may be counteracted, and discusses the general implications for the design of administrative positions.
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