CPS Prosecution Guidance
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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.
The guidance provides a comprehensive overview of the prosecution approach for various offences, including the application of the Code for Crown Prosecutors. It emphasizes the importance of building cases that are evidentially strong, suspect-centered, and focused on victim needs. Specific areas of focus include domestic abuse, sexual offences, and weapons offences. The guidance aids prosecutors in making informed decisions regarding public interest factors in prosecution.
Key points
- Prosecutors should apply the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
- Focus on victim needs and evidential strength.
- Consider public interest factors when deciding on prosecution.
- Guidance on handling domestic abuse cases.
- Standard procedures for weapon-related offences.
- Out-of-court resolutions where appropriate.
- Protocols for misconduct in public office cases.
- Emphasis on compliance with forensic science standards.
- Guidance on managing protest-related offences.
- Support resources for victims and witnesses.
Public-interest factors
- Balancing public interest against prosecution viability.
- Ensuring cases are handled in a victim-centered manner.
- Evaluating the impact of prosecution on the community.
- Assessing the seriousness of the offence.
- Consideration of the offender’s circumstances.
- Long-term implications of prosecution decisions.
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.