The special prosecutor during the Watergate trial asked President Nixon to release secret audiotapes. Shortly thereafter, the president had the prosecutor fired.

One who prosecutes special offenses or in special situations. For example it could be that the Defendant has a conflict of interest with the prosecutor's office, judge, or other person involved in the case.

A special prosecutor would be appointed. It is normally a prosecutor from a neighboring area, or an experienced defense attorney.

Archibald Cox was the special prosecutor that President Nixon asked Richardson to fire. Richardson had promised not to interfere in the investigationand so he resigned his position as attorney general.

Kenneth Winston "Ken" Starr