ABSTRACT

The Code for Crown Prosecutors (the Code) last revised in 1999 is set out below with the authors’ commentary in italics and bold.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The decision to prosecute an individual is a serious step. Fair and effective prosecution is essential to the maintenance of law and order. But even in a small case, a prosecution has serious implications for all involved-the victim, a witness and a defendant. The Crown Prosecution Service (and local authority prosecutors) should apply the Code for Crown Prosecutors so that it can make fair and consistent decisions about prosecutions.