Resolution Pathways Flashcards
Solicitor General’s prosecution guidelines
what are the two tests for prosectution
- The evidential test
- The public interest test
Prosecution
What is ‘the evidential test’?
- a reasonable prospect of conviction exists if, in relation to an identifiable individual, there is credible evidence the prosecution can bring before a court and upon which evidence a jury (or judge) could reasonably be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the individual who is prosecuted has committed a criminal offence.
Prosecution
What is ‘the public interest test’?
- once a prosecutor is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction, the next consideration is whether the public interest requires a prosecution.
- Prosecutors must exercise discretion as to whether a prosecution is required in the public interest
Prosecution
examples of Public interest considerations for prosecution
- seriousness of the offence
- defendant in a position of authority or trust and the offence is an abuse of that position
- premeditation of an offence
- ringleader or an organiser of the offence
- organised crime or group offending
- motivated by hostility against a person (race/ethnicity/sexual orientation etc)
- serious financial loss
- offence committed against a person serving the public
- marked difference between the actual or mental ages of defendant and victim
- element of corruption
Prosecution
examples of Public interest considerations against prosecution
- small/nominal penalty imposed
- loss/harm described as ‘minor’
- where prosectution likely to have a detrrimental effect on wellbeing of victim/witness (physical/mental)
- defendant elderly/youth
- no previous convictions
- defendant suffering from significant mental or physical health issues
- where proper alternatives to prosecution are available
Dealing with the suspect
Methods of resolving alleged offences: Options available to you?
- formal warning
- report the matter
- arrest the suspect
- written traffic warning
- Te Pae Oranga
- Adult diversion
- for young suspects - Youth Aid (alternative actions), or Family Group Conference
- Prosecution
- Take no action
Dealing with the suspect
alleged offending: when would you ‘take no action’
this option applies to very trivial incidents where there is no victim to consider
This course of action is permissible for only the most minor incidents, and it doesnt get reported.
*for example during a visit to a crowded bar you hear someone say behind your back ‘fucking pig’, you are sure there is no chance of finding out who said this, it’s more prudent to ignore the behaviour and act as though you didn’t hear it. *
Dealing with the suspect
alleged offending: when would you give a ‘formal warning’
- suspect must be over 18 years or over
- they must admit responsibility for the offending
- they must provide informed consent to take part in the warning process
Dealing with the suspect
what is a formal warning?
a lawful alternative to prosecution when certain requirements are met
Dealing with the suspect
where can a formal warning be issued from?
- a scene, or
- at a Police Station
Dealing with the suspect
a formal warning must…?
- record how the evidence collected meets all the required elements of the alleged offence
a formal warning is an alernative to prosecution, rather than a method to be used where a prosecution would not reasonably succeed.
Dealing with the suspect
Before a formal warning is issued approval is needed from who?
- a Supervisor, this approval must be obtained and recorded
Dealing with the suspect
Reporting an offence may include the following:
- further enquiries required
- issuing an infringement notice
- prosecution
- report with a view to a warning
- report with a view to summons
Dealing with the suspect
What is Te Pae Oranga?
a way Police & iwi/Maori partners deal with crime and prevent reoffending
it’s an approach to hold suspects accountable while also helping them address problems they’re facing.
Dealing with the suspect
Who is Te Pae Oranga for?
It’s for people who have underlying issues and need help to get their lives back on track.
Includes helping them overcome problems like:
* addiction
* abuse
* financial stress
* difficulties getting employment or education
Available to people of all ethnicities and from all walks of life. Victims are encouraged to take part.
Dealing with the suspect
Te Pae Oranga criteria?
The offence is supported by evidential sufficiency (elements)
Participant must:
* be 18 years or over
* admit responsibility for the offence and agree to participate
The offence must carry a sentence of less than 6 months imprisonment, or be a non-qualifying offence approved for exemption
(excludes FV-related offending, driving charges with mandatory disqualification, firearm charge, second-hand dealer offences)
The participant must not have active charges being pursued through the court.
Dealing with the suspect
What is ‘Diversion’?
The Police Adult Diversion Scheme is an alternative to prosecution
- Enables suspects to complete a plan within a given timeframe to avoid receiving a conviction
- Enables community groups to actively participate in an approach which has early intervention at its core
Dealing with the suspect
What are the purposes of diversion?
- prevent re-offending
- encourage suspect(s) to reflect on the impact on the victim
- enable reparation
- enable restorative justice
- address factors that put the suspect at risk of re-offending
- avoid the suspect’s first conviction and give them another chance
Dealing with the suspect
For diversion the suspect must accept full responsibility for the offences by..?
- admitting they committed the offence
- showing remorse for their actions
- indicating a guilty plea (optional)
Diversion
what two tests must you consider for offence-based criteria?
- the offence seriousness by offence type and case circumstances
- views of the OC case and victims so that all information can be evaluated
Diversion
Offence types you may consider for diversion?
There is no hard and fast rule on particular offence types, every case must be examined individually.
You can consider diversion if the effect of a conviction it out of proportion to the offence committed.
- All Category 2 & 3 offences would be considered to be less serious and eligible
- Category 4 would usually be considered too serious to be eligible…
Diversion
Restorative Justice is defined as?
- a way of thinking about crime
- a process for responding to crime
Dealing with the suspect
Restorative Justice forms part of what process?
Diversion
Diversion
Restorative Justice provides an…?
alternative framework for thinking about wrongdoing which suggests new ways of responding to offending and victimisation.
Diversion
Restorative Justice is focused on who?
the victim
Diversion
Restorative Justice
What are the 3 prerequisites to diversion referral?
- approved restorative justice provider available in the diversion area
- victim participation
- diversion interview must have occured with approved diversion officer