cps.gov.uk Reviews

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the principal public agency for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. It is responsible for deciding whether a suspect should be charged with a criminal offense and, if so, what that charge should be. The CPS also prepares cases for court and presents them at trial. It is an independent body, separate from the police and government, and operates under the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The CPS’s primary function is to ensure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offense and to bring offenders to justice.

The CPS has a Code for Crown Prosecutors, which sets out the principles that prosecutors must follow when making decisions about cases. These principles include ensuring that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that prosecution is in the public interest. Prosecutors must also consider the impact on victims and witnesses and act fairly, objectively, and with integrity.

The CPS works closely with the police and other investigative agencies, providing legal advice and guidance during the early stages of investigations. It also liaises with victims and witnesses, offering support and information about the progress of cases.

The CPS is organized into 14 geographical areas, each headed by a Chief Crown Prosecutor. These areas correspond to the regions of England and Wales and are responsible for prosecuting cases at the local level. The CPS also has specialized units for handling specific types of crime, such as fraud, domestic violence, and organized crime.

In addition to its prosecutorial functions, the CPS is involved in policy development and legal reform. It provides input on proposed changes to criminal law and procedure, and it publishes guidance for prosecutors on various aspects of their work.

The CPS’s role is crucial in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that individuals accused of crimes are dealt with fairly and in accordance with the law. Its decisions have a significant impact on the criminal justice system and on the lives of those involved in criminal cases, including defendants, victims, and witnesses.

Overall, the CPS plays a vital role in maintaining public confidence in the justice system and in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.”

the reasons behind this review :
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the principal public agency for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. It is responsible for deciding whether a suspect should be charged with a criminal offense and, if so, what that charge should be. The CPS also prepares cases for court and presents them at trial. It is an independent body, separate from the police and government, and operates under the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The CPS's primary function is to ensure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offense and to bring offenders to justice.

The CPS has a Code for Crown Prosecutors, which sets out the principles that prosecutors must follow when making decisions about cases. These principles include ensuring that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that prosecution is in the public interest. Prosecutors must also consider the impact on victims and witnesses and act fairly, objectively, and with integrity.

The CPS works closely with the police and other investigative agencies, providing legal advice and guidance during the early stages of investigations. It also liaises with victims and witnesses, offering support and information about the progress of cases.

The CPS is organized into 14 geographical areas, each headed by a Chief Crown Prosecutor. These areas correspond to the regions of England and Wales and are responsible for prosecuting cases at the local level. The CPS also has specialized units for handling specific types of crime, such as fraud, domestic violence, and organized crime.

In addition to its prosecutorial functions, the CPS is involved in policy development and legal reform. It provides input on proposed changes to criminal law and procedure, and it publishes guidance for prosecutors on various aspects of their work.

The CPS's role is crucial in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that individuals accused of crimes are dealt with fairly and in accordance with the law. Its decisions have a significant impact on the criminal justice system and on the lives of those involved in criminal cases, including defendants, victims, and witnesses.

Overall, the CPS plays a vital role in maintaining public confidence in the justice system and in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.