Disclosure Manual: Chapter 1 - Introduction
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 duties of the prosecution team in disclosing unused material to the defence, emphasizing the importance of consistent practices under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) and related regulations. It provides both practical and legal advice to ensure efficient and effective compliance with disclosure obligations throughout the criminal justice process. Key topics include the definition of unused material, triggers for statutory disclosure, consequences of non-disclosure, and the obligation to pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry. Additionally, it introduces the concept of a rebuttable presumption in favour of disclosing certain types of material.
Key points
- Guidance on the prosecution's duty to disclose unused material.
- Emphasizes the need for consistent practices across England and Wales.
- Defines unused material and outlines thresholds for disclosure.
- Lists triggers for statutory disclosure by prosecutors.
- Describes consequences of non-compliance with disclosure obligations.
- Introduces a rebuttable presumption for disclosing certain categories of material.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring a fair trial for the accused
- Upholding the integrity of the justice system
- Protecting victims and witnesses
- Maintaining public confidence in prosecutorial processes
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.