CPS Flashcards
Why was the CPS established?
To take responsibility for making the decision whether to prosecute
Before the CPS who made the decision on whether to prosecute?
The police
What did the Justice Report 1970 ID?
Problems with the prosecution role of the police - they were bias towards prosecuting
A high number of cases had evidence tampered with IOT secure a conviction, miscarriages of J
What ID problems with the polices prosecution role?
Justice report 1970
What did the Phillips Royal Commission 1978 recommend?
Establishment of an independent agency - take charge of prosecuting suspects
What recommended the establishment of an independent agency?
Phillips Royal Commission 1978
What act established the CPS?
Prosecution of Offences Act 1985
Who is the CPS headed by?
Director of Public Prosecutions
currently Alison Saunders
Who is the current DPP?
Alison Saunders
When does the CPS take over a case?
As soon as the police have finished collecting evidence + investigating
What are the 5 roles of the CPS?
- Decides to bring prosecution against suspect
- Advise pol on the charges (CPS charging standards)
- Reviews cases presented by pol
- Prepares case for Ct
- Presents case in Ct - all CPS lawyers have rights of audience
How many areas are there in the UK?
42 - split into further branches (headed by Branch CP)
What do the 42 areas in the UK correspond to?
The number of police forces - each headed by Chief Crown Prosecutor
Who are each of the 42 areas headed by?
Chief Crown Prosecutor
What % of cases dealt with by the CPS in2008/9 resulted in a conviction?
80.7%