Introduction Under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the right to life, there is a duty on the state to carry out a proper investigation where a death occurs and to involve the families to the extent necessary to safeguard their legitimate interests. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has policies to support victims and bereaved families and the duty to provide an enhanced level of service is required under the Victim’s Code. Nothing within this guidance affects these rights and responsibilities.

Prosecutors should recognise that carrying an offensive weapon, or a knife, or a bladed/pointed article is a serious offence. The unlawful provision and possession of all weapons encourages violence and can cause serious injury and death in addition to facilitating other criminal offences.

This guidance is intended to provide information on the stance taken by the Courts in relation to Non Accidental Head Injury (NAHI) cases and to assist prosecutors in the approach and presentation of such cases.

The decision whether rape counts, linked to murder, should be left to lie on file, is the prosecutor's responsibility. This guidance provides assistance to prosecutors, by identifying some of the issues to be taken into account when making this decision.

Murder and manslaughter are two of the offences that constitute homicide.

The main explosives offences relate to: