CPS Flashcards
What is the primary aim of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)?
To prosecute crimes in England and Wales
Under which act was the CPS established?
Prosecution of Offences Act 1985
What powers were granted to the CPS under the Criminal Justice Act 2003?
The power to decide the charge in all but minor offences
What are the core values the CPS aims to uphold?
- Independence
- Honesty
- Respect
- Professionalism
How many geographical areas does the CPS consist of?
14
Who is the head of the CPS as of the information provided?
Max Hill
What is the two-part test used by the CPS to decide when to prosecute?
Evidential test and threshold test
What does the evidential test assess?
Whether there is enough reliable and credible evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction
True or False: The threshold test can be applied even with insufficient evidence.
True
What was the CPS’s budget set at in 2020?
£567 million
What significant trend occurred in prosecutions by the CPS from 2011/12 to 2018/19?
Prosecutions fell by 46%
What staffing issue did the CPS face in 2018/19 compared to 2010/11?
Staff numbers decreased from 8,094 to 5,684
What has been a consequence of the CPS’s financial limitations?
Several cases being thrown out of court due to failure to disclose key evidence
What criticism has the CPS faced regarding its relationship with the police?
Accusations of reliance on the police as ‘gatekeepers’ of information
Who produced a report in 1998 criticizing the CPS’s effectiveness?
Sir Iain Glidewell
Fill in the blank: The CPS has been accused of downgrading more serious crimes to be handled by the _______.
less costly magistrates court
What high-profile case exemplified inadequate preparation by the CPS?
The case of Damilola Taylor
What issue was highlighted in the case of Damilola Taylor regarding witness preparation?
Key witness was poorly prepared and branded a ‘liar’
What has been a notable failure of the CPS in relation to female genital mutilation cases?
Failure to produce a successful prosecution
What controversy surrounded Lord Janner’s prosecution?
He escaped prosecution on three occasions due to CPS failings
In 2018, how many rape cases were dropped due to concerns about evidence disclosure?
Forty-seven
