Code for Crown Prosecutors: Consultation Document

Ref 016.09

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has launched a 12 week consultation on the Code for Crown Prosecutors. This is the document which sets out the principles which prosecutors must follow when they decide whether to prosecute an individual. This Code is supplemented with the Core Quality Standards document.

Together, the two documents let the public know what prosecutors do; how they make their decisions; and the level of service that the CPS is committed to providing in every key aspect of its work.

The purpose of this consultation is to seek a wide range of views on proposed changes to the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

ILEX would welcome comments from Members with an interest in this area. In particular, it would be helpful if you addressed the seven questions below in your response, but we would of course welcome comments on any other aspects:

1. Is the role of the Crown Prosecution Service explained clearly enough in sections 1, 2 and 3?
2. Is the evidential stage of the Full Code Test explained clearly enough?
3. Are the public interest factors that tend in favour of prosecution explained clearly enough?
4. Are the public interest factors that tend against prosecution explained clearly enough?
5. Is the public interest stage of the Full Code Test explained clearly enough?
6. Is the section on out-of-court disposals set out in an understandable way, and does it explain clearly what disposals and alternatives to prosecution are available?
7. Is there any other section of the Code for Crown Prosecutors that you think should be expanded, and, if so, what do you think should be included?

The consultation can be accessed on the following CPS link:

The consultation closes 11^th January 2010