Public Prosecution Service for England and Wales (From Police: Powers, Procedures and Proprieties, P 196-210, 1986, John Benyon and Colin Bourn, eds. -- See NCJ-158031)

• NCJ Number: 158048
• Author(s): R C A White
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Pergamon Press Limited
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

In most cases heard before magistrates in England and Wales, police officers have investigated the offense and collected the evidence and therefore expect to see their efforts result in conviction; to ensure fairness and minimize police discretion, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) collaborates with the police in considering evidence and nonevidential factors in deciding whether to proceed with a case.

Abstract

The Prosecution of Offences Act of 1985 establishes the Crown Prosecution Service which includes the DPP and prosecutors. Under this act, the DPP is responsible for the conduct of criminal proceedings and advises police forces on matters related to criminal offenses. The act contains provisions on the prosecution of criminal cases and indicates that the Crown Prosecution Service shares the decision to prosecute with the police. The act also addresses accountability, the organization of the legal profession, and judicial discretion over the admission of evidence obtained by the police in questionable circumstances. The Crown Prosecution Service clearly builds on traditions, and most decisions not to prosecute are based on insufficient evidence or offense triviality. 55 notes