Crown Prosecution Service

Question 1

Functions of the Crown Prosecution:

Answer 1

• Independent from police and politics
• Their primary function is as reviewers of evidence and cases
• Preparation and presentation of cases
• CPS can advise the police however they cannot instruct them

Question 2

Code for Crown Prosecutors:

Answer 2

(2018):
Police investigate, charge the suspect (based on evidence), pass the case to the CPS
Principles applied to all cases: Fairness and equality
Available to the public: Visibility and legitimacy

Question 3

Evidential:

Answer 3

Availability - Is the evidence available and does it exist
Reliability - Credibility of evidence
Admissibility - Can the evidence be used in court

Question 4

Victims:

Answer 4

End-to-end rape review (2021) found victims are left unadvised and unsupported by police and CJS

Victims updated after decisions have been made: they are an afterthought

Question 5

Decision not to prosecute:

Answer 5

If the CPS decide not to prosecute then there are two review processes:
- Judicial Review
- Victim’s Right to Review - Victim wants to challenge the decision, has 5 days from the decision not to prosecute has been made