The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is a fundamental part of... Show more
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Dominic
07/12/2025
Criminology
Criminology Unit 3 - AC:2.1 Example
839
•
7 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Criminology Unit 3 - AC2.1
Dominic
@dom.j4
The Crown Prosecution Service and Testing Procedures
The CPS was created to address concerns about police bias when they previously had sole authority to decide prosecutions. By separating investigation from prosecution, the CPS ensures decisions are based on evidence and public interest rather than potentially biased police judgments.
The Full Code Test determines whether cases proceed to court through two key components. The Evidential Test examines if there's sufficient evidence for a likely conviction - without adequate evidence, a case cannot proceed regardless of other factors. If this hurdle is cleared, the Public Interest Test considers whether prosecution serves society's interests by evaluating factors like threat level, suspect's age and responsibility, and harm caused.
Real-World Application: The Debbie Purdy case illustrates the public interest assessment in action. Purdy, suffering from multiple sclerosis, sought legal clarification on whether her husband would face prosecution if he helped her travel to Switzerland for euthanasia.
The Damilola Taylor case highlights the critical importance of the evidential test. This tragic murder of a 10-year-old boy resulted in a 6-year legal battle spanning three trials due to poor evidence handling and an unreliable witness. The CPS reputation suffered significantly when it became clear that obvious signs of deception in witness testimony weren't properly scrutinised.
Special Circumstances and Threshold Testing
In exceptional situations, the Threshold Test may be applied when rapid charging decisions are needed despite incomplete evidence. This typically occurs with major drug organisations or when a suspect poses serious public risk. Unlike the Full Code Test, this can employ reasonable suspicion rather than concrete evidence.
The Threshold Test is also valuable when concerns exist about bail risks or when investigators expect more evidence to emerge during trial proceedings. In these cases, police and CPS typically collaborate closely to manage the ongoing investigation while legal proceedings advance.
Important Consideration: The Threshold Test aims to balance public safety with fair process when immediate action is necessary but evidence collection is incomplete.
The case of Abu Hamza al-Masri demonstrates potential consequences of delay in prosecution. Despite his extremist views, building a case against him took significant time due to free speech protections, complex intelligence gathering requirements, and exploitation of legal loopholes. Had the Threshold Test been employed earlier, his prosecution might have occurred sooner despite initially failing the Full Code Test, even though prosecution was clearly in the public interest.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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Understanding Criminology Unit 3 - AC2.1
Dominic
@dom.j4
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is a fundamental part of the British legal system responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in England and Wales. Established in 1985, it creates an essential separation between police investigations and prosecution decisions, ensuring fairer outcomes... Show more
The Crown Prosecution Service and Testing Procedures
The CPS was created to address concerns about police bias when they previously had sole authority to decide prosecutions. By separating investigation from prosecution, the CPS ensures decisions are based on evidence and public interest rather than potentially biased police judgments.
The Full Code Test determines whether cases proceed to court through two key components. The Evidential Test examines if there's sufficient evidence for a likely conviction - without adequate evidence, a case cannot proceed regardless of other factors. If this hurdle is cleared, the Public Interest Test considers whether prosecution serves society's interests by evaluating factors like threat level, suspect's age and responsibility, and harm caused.
Real-World Application: The Debbie Purdy case illustrates the public interest assessment in action. Purdy, suffering from multiple sclerosis, sought legal clarification on whether her husband would face prosecution if he helped her travel to Switzerland for euthanasia.
The Damilola Taylor case highlights the critical importance of the evidential test. This tragic murder of a 10-year-old boy resulted in a 6-year legal battle spanning three trials due to poor evidence handling and an unreliable witness. The CPS reputation suffered significantly when it became clear that obvious signs of deception in witness testimony weren't properly scrutinised.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Special Circumstances and Threshold Testing
In exceptional situations, the Threshold Test may be applied when rapid charging decisions are needed despite incomplete evidence. This typically occurs with major drug organisations or when a suspect poses serious public risk. Unlike the Full Code Test, this can employ reasonable suspicion rather than concrete evidence.
The Threshold Test is also valuable when concerns exist about bail risks or when investigators expect more evidence to emerge during trial proceedings. In these cases, police and CPS typically collaborate closely to manage the ongoing investigation while legal proceedings advance.
Important Consideration: The Threshold Test aims to balance public safety with fair process when immediate action is necessary but evidence collection is incomplete.
The case of Abu Hamza al-Masri demonstrates potential consequences of delay in prosecution. Despite his extremist views, building a case against him took significant time due to free speech protections, complex intelligence gathering requirements, and exploitation of legal loopholes. Had the Threshold Test been employed earlier, his prosecution might have occurred sooner despite initially failing the Full Code Test, even though prosecution was clearly in the public interest.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Criminology
Most popular content in Criminology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user