THE CODE FOR CROWN PROSECUTORS The Code for Crown Prosecutors issued in 1985 and revised in 1994 was revised again in 2000. In the following piece, the DPP explains the rationale of the changes. There then follows the new Code.

The Code's main purpose is to ensure that decisions are fair and consistent, particularly when deciding whether or not cases started by the police can and should proceed. In order to achieve this, the Code states that a prosecution can only take place where there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction, and a prosecution is in the public interest. The Code does, however, have a second purpose: one that has always been recognised and valued by the Crown Prosecution Service, but which is growing in importance in the current political climate of openness. It serves as a public statement of principles which enables our criminal justice system colleagues and the general public to see for themselves the factors that govern our decisions and, if appropriate, to challenge those decisions.