Prosecution Support | The Crown Prosecution Service

Obscene Publications

Introduction
Possible offences
The Obscene Publications Act 1959
Evidential considerations
Public interest considerations
Article 10
Seizure and forfeiture
Jurisdiction
Handling of evidence / disclosure
Sentencing

Child Sexual Abuse: Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse

Introduction
Early consultation between the police and CPS
How cases will be managed within the CPS
Supporting victims and witnesses
Before the court case
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers
Attending court
Keeping victims and witnesses informed
Counselling and therapy

Female Genital Mutilation

Introduction
Casework Handling
The Legal Framework
Evidential Considerations
Public Interest Considerations
Piercing and Cosmetic Surgery
Sentencing
Contact details for national support agencies and sources of information relating to FGM

Introduction

Female Genital M

So-Called Honour-Based Abuse and Forced Marriage: Guidance on Identifying and Flagging cases

The definition of forced marriage to be used will be in line with the offence under section 121 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Prostitution and Exploitation of Prostitution

Introduction
Evidential considerations
Public interest considerations
Selection of charges

Introduction

This prosecution guidance outlines:

Children as suspects and defendants

The CPS is committed to ensuring that the special considerations which apply to cases involving a young offender are enshrined in its working practices and form part of the training of its prosecutors.

Withdrawal of warrants

Introduction
Execution and Review
Decision to withdraw
Bereaved families

Introduction

The CPS is a signatory to the Fail to Appear Criminal Warrants Protocol (including Warrants in First Instance) which was revised May 2022. This protocol should be applied when the police seek the withdrawal of a warrant, as should the CPS’ Standard Operation Practice model.

Wildlife Offences

The conservation of wildlife is an area in which the police play an investigative and enforcement role and where the CPS are called upon to prosecute in accordance with the provisions of the Code for Crown Prosecutors. See also Relations with Other Prosecutions Agencies, elsewhere in the legal guidance.

Prosecuting Welfare and Health Fraud Cases

This guidance provides an overview of welfare and health fraud case-law and procedures and guidance for prosecutors when reviewing welfare and health fraud cases. Separate guidance applies to DEFRA and MHRA cases.

Visiting Forces

Introduction
Jurisdiction
Procedure
Waiver
- In Favour of the Service Court
- In Favour of the UK

Introduction

The Visiting Forces Act 1952 ("the Act") together with the

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Accessibility controls

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction