Code for Crown Prosecutors: Consultation
Document
Ref 016.09
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
has launched a 12 week consultation on the Code for Crown
Prosecutors. This is the document which sets out the
principles which prosecutors must follow when they decide whether
to prosecute an individual. This Code is supplemented
with the Core Quality Standards document.
Together, the two documents let the public know what prosecutors
do; how they make their decisions; and the level of service that
the CPS is committed to providing in every key aspect of its
work.
The purpose of this consultation is to seek a wide range of
views on proposed changes to the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
ILEX would welcome comments from Members with an interest in
this area. In particular, it would be helpful if you addressed the
seven questions below in your response, but we would of course
welcome comments on any other aspects:
- Is the role of the Crown Prosecution Service explained clearly
enough in sections 1, 2 and 3?
- Is the evidential stage of the Full Code Test explained clearly
enough?
- Are the public interest factors that tend in favour of
prosecution explained clearly enough?
- Are the public interest factors that tend against prosecution
explained clearly enough?
- Is the public interest stage of the Full Code Test explained
clearly enough?
- Is the section on out-of-court disposals set out in an
understandable way, and does it explain clearly what disposals and
alternatives to prosecution are available?
- Is there any other section of the Code for Crown Prosecutors
that you think should be expanded, and, if so, what do you think
should be included?
The consultation can be accessed on the following
CPS link:
The consultation closes 11th January 2010