CPS Prosecution Guidance: Appeals - Criminal Cases Review Commission
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance outlines the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) in investigating suspected miscarriages of justice and the specific responsibilities of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in this context. It details the principles and procedures involved in appeals against conviction, including document preservation and confidentiality requirements. The guidance emphasizes the CPS's duty to assist the CCRC in fulfilling its statutory roles and managing records effectively during such investigations.
Key points
- The CCRC investigates suspected miscarriages of justice under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995.
- CPS must assist the CCRC with document preservation as per section 17 of the 1995 Act.
- Confidential information under a preservation order must not be disclosed without CPS consent.
- CPS is required to notify the CCRC about any convictions deemed unsafe.
- The CCRC's powers override public interest immunity and confidentiality obligations.
- CPS must maintain accurate records throughout the investigative process.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring justice is served for potentially wrongful convictions.
- Maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system.
- Protecting confidential information while enabling thorough investigations.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.