cps intro

• what are the CPS?

  independent body that prosecutes in criminal cases
• pre 1986 who handled state prosecutions? 


  police
• what were the problems of the police investigating & prosecuting?

  over involvement, bias & miscarriages of justice
• give an example of a miscarriage of justice

  birmingham 6
• give the name of the significant pressure group

  justice
• what body was created to examine the criminal justice system in 1978 that led to many reforms?

  Royal commission on criminal procedure
• what is this commission also known as?

  Philips commission
• what act established the CPS?

  Prosecution of offences act 1985
• what year was the CPS actually formed?

  1986
• who is the head of CPS?

  director of public prosecutions
• what does the director of public prosecutions have to be to take on this role?

  have been a qualified lawyer for at least 10 years
• who appoints & supervises the director of public prosecution?

  attorney general
• how many geographical areas is the CPS split into?

  14
• who heads each area?

  Chief crown prosecutor
• who heads the branches that each area is divided into?

  senior district crown prosecutors
• approximately how many staff does the CPS have?

  7000
• what percentage of cases do the police have responsibility for charging decisions in law category cases?

  72%
• so what percentage do the CPS have?

  28%
• what is the telephone line of the CPS known as?

  CPS direct
• what type of cases are the CPS responsible for?

  serious & complex cases
• when can the CPS be contacted? 


  anytime, all year
• what act required that complex cases can only be decided upon face to face consultation?

  Criminal justice act 2003
• what is the role of the CPS?

  -reviews evidential & public interest tests

  -making charging decisions

  -preparing the case for trial

  -conducting the prosecution in the magistrates or crown court
• once the police investigation has finished & the suspect has been charged what happens?

  the case is passed to the CPS