Corporate Prosecutions
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office's approach to prosecuting corporate offenses in England and Wales. It covers definitions, principles of corporate liability, routes for establishing corporate criminal liability, handling casework, and considerations for charging, sentencing, and asset recovery. Notably, it addresses the complexities of corporate offenses involving fraud, corruption, and economic crime, ensuring that legal frameworks adequately hold corporate entities accountable.
Key points
- Corporate prosecutions are essential for law enforcement.
- Liability can arise from actions of 'senior managers'.
- Prosecutors must assess both corporate and individual liability.
- Statutory routes for corporate liability are generally clearer than common law.
- Failure to prevent offences can lead to strict liability for corporations.
Public-interest factors
- History of similar conduct by the corporation.
- Prompt remedial action taken by the corporation.
- Significant harm caused to victims or the public.
- Existence of effective corporate compliance programs.
- Nature of the offence and its impact on financial markets.
- Potential adverse consequences for the business in case of conviction.
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.