What is a potential consequence of stifling prosecution?

Stifling prosecution can lead to the suppression of victims' rights to seek justice. When prosecution is not pursued vigorously or is hindered in some way, it can result in victims feeling powerless and unable to secure accountability for wrongs done to them. This can create a perception that the legal system does not prioritize justice, thereby negatively affecting the confidence that victims and the community have in the legal process.

Furthermore, the consequences of inadequate prosecution not only impact individual victims but can also have broader implications for societal trust in legal institutions. By not allowing prosecutions to proceed fairly and robustly, communities may feel that justice is inaccessible, leading to a culture of impunity for offenders and a sense of injustice among victims. This diminishes the victims' ability to find resolution and can contribute to a cycle of ongoing harm and distrust.

In contrast to this understanding, other options such as increased opportunities for fair trials, enhanced credibility of the legal system, and strengthened contractual obligations are not direct outcomes of stifling prosecution. Fair trials and legal credibility rely on robust prosecution to uphold the rule of law and ensure that those who commit offenses are held accountable.