An investigation of the roles of participants in public-interest cases, i.e., prosecutors, state agencies, and local government agencies. Chapter headings: Participation of the prosecutor's office in the civil process: history of the prosecutor's role in law protection; description of the prosecutor's role in the civil process; addressing the court in defense of the interests of other parties; entry of a prosecutor into a trial already under way. Participation of state agencies and local government agencies in defense of the rights, freedoms, and interests of third parties.