Talk:Crown Prosecution Service

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[edit] Role

Do Crown Prosecutors (is that their proper title?) prosecute at the Crown Court level? According to the article, they only pursue cases at the Magistrate level and hire private counsel to prosecute at higher levels. Also, is the office responsible for appeals? And what are the qualifications for becoming a prosecutor? --Whitenoise101 23:37, 4 May 2007 (UTC)

Crown Prosecutors (CP) is indeed the correct title for lawyers in the CPS. Some of them can prosecute in the Crown Court, if they have obtained Higher Rights of Audience by being a barrister, though the DPP can also confer HRA. All CP's may appear in the Magistrates' Court, and non-lawyer caseworkers can also appear if they have had the right training and have been designated by the DPP.

Of course, the Service also makes extensive use of the self-employed independent Bar. However, the CP remains responsible for the case and the barrister is required to act in accordance with the CP's instructions. Barristers are not allowed to "take over" the case, but is expected to work in collaboration with the CP.

The CPS is also responsible for responding to appeals if they prosecuted the original offence.

To be a CPS prosecutor, you have to be a qualified solicitor or barrister within the meaning of the Legal Services Act. They sometimes take people fresh out of law school on their own training course, but most are probably lawyers who have done their training elsewhere. I don't believe that there are any particular requirements in terms of post-qualification experience.

All of this information is available on the CPS website, [1], and from my own knowledge as I work for the sister department Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office, set up along similar lines. Dmccormac 21:12, 16 May 2007 (UTC)