Conflicts of Interest occur when a prosecutor’s personal, financial, political, or relational interests compromise, or appear to compromise, their impartial execution of official duties. These conflicts undermine prosecutorial neutrality and may violate both ethical rules and due process guarantees.

**Scope:**

- **Personal or Financial Interests**: Investments, debts, gifts, or favors that could be influenced by case outcomes.
- **Familial or Relational Ties**: When close family, friends, or adversaries are involved as defendants, victims, witnesses, or officers in a matter.
- **Political or Professional Gain**: Charging or declining to charge cases in order to advance career prospects, protect allies, or secure political advantage.
- **Appearance of Impropriety**: Even without actual bias, situations where a reasonable observer would question impartiality.

**Examples:**

- Failing to recuse when prosecuting a case involving a family member or political donor.
- Bringing charges against a political rival to gain electoral advantage.
- Withholding disclosure of a financial interest in a private laboratory used for forensic testing.

**Related Standards:**

- **ABA Model Rule 1.7 & 1.11** (conflicts of interest and special responsibilities of government lawyers).
- **Due Process Clause** (ensures fair trials and neutral prosecution).
- **Brady/Giglio Obligations** (require disclosure of impeachment evidence, including conflicts).

**Consequences:**  
Undisclosed or unmanaged conflicts may result in reversal of convictions, dismissal of charges, bar discipline, civil liability, and erosion of public trust.