Suicide: Policy for Prosecutors in Respect of Cases of Encouraging or Assisting Suicide
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 legal framework for prosecuting cases involving the encouragement or assistance of suicide under the Suicide Act 1961. It details the evidential and public interest tests that prosecutors must apply, including the conditions under which prosecution may or may not be warranted. It also clarifies the responsibilities of police and prosecutors in handling such cases and distinguishes between the act of suicide and the crimes of murder or manslaughter.
Key points
- The consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is required for prosecution.
- The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
- Police must investigate all reported cases of encouragement or assistance of suicide.
- Prosecutors must apply the Full Code Test comprising evidential and public interest stages.
- Public interest factors may influence the decision to prosecute or not.
Public-interest factors
- The victim was under 18 years of age.
- The victim lacked the capacity to make an informed decision.
- The suspect pressured the victim to commit suicide.
- The suspect was motivated by financial gain.
- The suspect provided encouragement to multiple victims.
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.