European authorities took the unprecedented step Thursday of arresting Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, on charges related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, while the United States Justice Department declined to pursue similar cases against American citizens named in recently unsealed court documents.The arrest in London marks a stark divergence in how European and American justice systems are responding to revelations from thousands of pages of Epstein-related files released in recent months. To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions—and the decision by U.S. prosecutors to close the Epstein case without charging additional suspects now stands in sharp relief against European action.French and British prosecutors took the lead in coordinating the arrest, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The charges stem from allegations detailed in civil depositions and witness statements that were unsealed by a U.S. federal judge in January, documents that European investigators obtained through mutual legal assistance treaties.The dual-track justice response has ignited debate about equal application of law on both sides of the Atlantic. While European authorities argue they are simply following evidence wherever it leads, critics in Washington have questioned whether the U.S. Justice Department's reluctance stems from the prominent positions held by American citizens named in the files.According to France24, legal experts note that extradition treaties between the U.S. and European nations could complicate any future attempts to prosecute American citizens in European courts, though such cases are not without precedent in financial crime and human rights cases.The British royal, who was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages in 2022 amid the scandal, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His legal team issued a brief statement saying he would cooperate with authorities while maintaining his innocence.The U.S. State Department declined to comment on the arrest beyond confirming it was aware of the situation. The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment about its decision not to bring charges related to the unsealed documents.This case illuminates broader questions about how Western democracies handle allegations against powerful figures—questions that have haunted the Epstein affair since his death in federal custody in 2019. The divergent approaches between Europe and America may define how justice is pursued in this case for years to come.