Role of the CPS in Bringing Justice Flashcards
What are the philosophies and values of the CPS
Independence and fairness so prosecuting without bias and always seeking to deliver justice
Honesty and openness
Treating everyone with respect
Behaving professionally and striving for excellence
Equality and inclusion so to inspire greater confidence in the CPS from victims and witnesses
What are the aims and objectives of the CPS?
The main public prosecutor in England and Wales
Established in 1986
Took over the prosecuting role of the police due to risk of bias
Funding for the CPS
Most of CPS income is from the government
Budget - around half a billion pounds a year
CPS recovers some of its costs when the courts award cost against defendants and recover assets
Has had significant funding cuts
2018 - head of CPS reported the budget had fallen by 25% and had lost 1/3 of its stall leading to it being harder to fulfil its role effectively
What is the role of the CPS?
Advises the police in their investigations about lines of inquiry and the evidence needed to build a case
Independently assesses evidence submitted by the police and keeps cases under continuous review
Decides whether to prosecute and what charges should be used
Prepares the prosecution’s case
Assists, informs and supports victims and prosecution witnesses
How does the CPS affect social control?
Decides if a case will be prosecuted or not
Determines appropriate charges
Prepares and presents cases
Provides victims with support
Guided by the full code test and the threshold test
Can choose to make examples of people if they wish
What are the strengths in the CPS in achieving social control?
Decide which cases should be prosecuted and so brings justice
Help bring justice through prosecuting independently and effectively
Through prosecuting individuals and therefore remove the threat from society
support victims and witnesses and make sure offenders are punished
What are the weaknesses in the CPS in achieving social control?
Do not achieve social control as the public lacks confidence in them due to MCOJ
Reliant on the police to do their jobs
don’t take firm action against the known offender
