Crown Prosecution Service Flashcards
What date was the CPS formed?
1985
Who had the role of the CPS, before the CPS?
The Police and Director of Public Prosecutions
What Act led to the creation of the CPS? (incl. date)
The Prosecution of Offences Act (1985)
How many regions did the CPS have before budget cuts in 2010?
42
How many regions did the CPS have after budget cuts in 2010?
14
In the four years leading up to 2010, how much was the CPS budget cut by?
25%
How is charging advice given?
Telephone and Email
When can you access charging advice from the CPS?
24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Who are Crown Prosecutors?
Legally-trained Barristers and Solicitors
When did legislation come into force to enable non-lawyers to be representatives in a Mags Court?
1998
How is evidence deemed ‘viable’ for Court?
It is tested through the ‘Evidential Test’
What does the ‘Evidential Test’ do?
It examines whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction on the basis of the provided evidence
What happens if a case passes the ‘Evidential Test’?
It then is decided if it is in the Public’s interest to pursue the matter
When was the Bail Act made?
1976
Which Act restricted bail for defendants charged with Murder? (incl. date)
The Coroners and Justice Act (2009)
What is the process for bail?
The Police decide on whether there is to be Bail or Remand and then at the first hearing, the CPS/Mags decide whether Court Bail is appropriate
What is the problem with Probation-staffed bail information schemes, such as housing?
Funding is inconsistent and practice varies across regions
What are the two highest Courts in England and Wales?
Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
What is the highest court in England and Wales?
Supreme Court
How many justices make up the Supreme Court?
12
What 2 types of cases are heard at the Supreme Court?
1) Appeal cases that have reached the final Court of Appeal
2) Cases of great Public Interest and/or Constitutional importance
What are the 2 divisions of the Court of Appeal?
Civil and Criminal
What are the 6 Judges Titles at the Court of Appeal?
1) Lord Chief Justice
2) the Master of the Rolls
3) the President of the Queen’s Bench Division
4) the President of the Family Division
5) the Chancellor of the High Court
6) Lord/Lady Justices (x38)
What 3 divisions is the High Court (Civil) split into?
Queen’s Bench, Chancery and Family
How many High Court judges are there?
108
What are the three ‘Senior’ Courts of England and Wales?
Crown Court, High Court and Court of Appeal
What Court deals with the majority of Criminal Cases?
Magistrates Court
Who deals with ‘Indictable Only’ Offences?
Crown Court
Give 3 examples of ‘Indictable Only’ offences
Murder, Rape and Robbery
Who deals with ‘Summary’ Offences?
Magistrates Court
What is a ‘triable either way’ offence?
Something which, if on conviction, the Magistrates sentencing powers are insufficient, then it would be referred to Crown Court.
When was the Crown Court formed?
1971
How many people form a Jury?
12
Which act imposed a Race Equality Duty on all CJS Agencies?
The Race Relations Act (2000)
When was the Sentencing Council established?
April 2010
Which Act established the Sentencing Council?
The Coroners and Justice Act 2009
What is the aims of the Sentencing Council?
1) Enable a consistent approach to sentencing
2) Demystify Court processes
3) Increase confidence in the CJS
Which report led to the PACE Act being established?
Scarman Report
