The Crown Prosecution Service: Role and Responsibilities

The Crown Prosecution Service operates as the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, established by the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. Their working practices revolve around the Full Code Test, which includes both public interest and evidential considerations.

Highlight: The CPS budget for 2021/22 was £663 million, primarily funded by the government, with additional resources coming from asset recovery.

The CPS demonstrates its commitment to justice through four core values: independence and fairness, honesty and openness, respect for all, and professional excellence. They handle cases across 14 geographical areas in England and Wales, with CPS Direct providing 24/7 charging advice to police forces.

Example: When considering prosecution, the CPS applies the Full Code Test, examining both the likelihood of conviction and whether prosecution serves the public interest.

Police Service: Structure and Operations

The police service forms the frontline of social control, with primary responsibilities including crime reduction and maintaining public order. Their powers, primarily outlined in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), enable them to protect life and property while preventing and detecting criminal offenses.

Vocabulary: The Police Standards of Professional Behaviour encompass key principles including honesty, integrity, authority, respect, and courtesy.

Police forces receive funding primarily through the Home Office Police Grant Report, supporting 45 territorial forces across the UK. Their working practices include interviewing suspects, conducting arrests, preparing case files, and giving evidence in court.

Example: Specialist departments such as anti-terrorism units and drug squads demonstrate how police forces adapt to address specific types of criminality.

The Judiciary: Authority and Function

The judiciary serves as the cornerstone of justice administration, ensuring fair trials and protecting human rights. Judges act as referees in legal proceedings, providing guidance on law application and ensuring procedural fairness.

Quote: "Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done" - this principle underlies the judiciary's commitment to transparency and fairness.

The judicial system operates independently from political control, with appointments and funding determined by the Senior Salaries Review Body. Judges take both an oath of allegiance to the Crown and a judicial oath committing to fairness and objectivity.

Their jurisdiction extends from local courts handling summary offenses to the Supreme Court addressing matters of national importance. This hierarchical structure ensures appropriate handling of cases based on their severity and complexity.

Understanding Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Relationships and Partnerships

The Crown Prosecution Service maintains crucial relationships with various government bodies and agencies to ensure effective prosecution of criminal cases in England and Wales. These partnerships demonstrate how the Crown Prosecution Service operates within the broader criminal justice system.

The CPS's relationship with the government is foundational, as it works closely with the Attorney General's office to provide legal advice and oversight. Created under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, the CPS receives funding primarily through tax revenue, ensuring its ability to serve public interest. This connection to government maintains accountability while preserving prosecutorial independence.

Definition: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the principal public prosecuting agency for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales, working independently while maintaining accountability to the Attorney General.

The relationship between the CPS and police forces is particularly vital. When handling serious and complex cases, police collaborate with CPS prosecutors to determine appropriate charges. The CPS works with the police through their 24-hour CPS Direct service, providing round-the-clock legal guidance. This partnership ensures that evidence meets prosecutorial standards through the full code test, which examines both evidential sufficiency and public interest.

In the courtroom, CPS prosecutors work alongside the judiciary, conducting advocacy in both Crown and magistrates' courts. They make critical pre-trial applications regarding evidence admissibility and provide essential information for pre-sentence reports. This demonstrates the strengths of Crown Prosecution Service in maintaining justice through proper legal procedures.

Highlight: The CPS maintains strong working relationships with mental health organizations like MIND, receiving specialized training to handle cases involving individuals with mental health concerns.