Menu
05/06/2013
Victims Of Crime To Be Given Right To Challenge CPS
New rights could allow victims of crime to challenge the Crown Prosecution Service over decisions to drop a prosecution or to not charge a suspect.
The new Victims' Right to Review (VRR) will be opened to public consultation today (Wednesday) to try and determine how the policy should work.
It is understood that under the new policy any victim, including bereaved family members, would have the ability to appeal to the CPS to re-examine a case following a decision not to charge, to discontinue proceedings or offer no evidence.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, is quoted by the Guardian as saying: "The criminal justice system historically treated victims as bystanders and accordingly gave them little say in their cases," Starmer said. "The decisions of prosecutors were rarely reversed because it was considered vital that decisions, even when later shown to be questionable, were final and could be relied upon.
"This approach was intended to inspire confidence, but in reality it had the opposite effect. Refusing to admit mistakes can seriously undermine public trust in the criminal justice system.
"It is now recognised by the criminal justice system that the interests of justice and the rights of the victim can outweigh the suspect's right to certainty. This is already reflected in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, but more needs to be done to correct this historic imbalance and ensure that the people affected by our decisions can hold us to account. It recognises that victims are active participants in the criminal justice process, with both interests to protect and rights to enforce."
(MH/CD)
The new Victims' Right to Review (VRR) will be opened to public consultation today (Wednesday) to try and determine how the policy should work.
It is understood that under the new policy any victim, including bereaved family members, would have the ability to appeal to the CPS to re-examine a case following a decision not to charge, to discontinue proceedings or offer no evidence.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, is quoted by the Guardian as saying: "The criminal justice system historically treated victims as bystanders and accordingly gave them little say in their cases," Starmer said. "The decisions of prosecutors were rarely reversed because it was considered vital that decisions, even when later shown to be questionable, were final and could be relied upon.
"This approach was intended to inspire confidence, but in reality it had the opposite effect. Refusing to admit mistakes can seriously undermine public trust in the criminal justice system.
"It is now recognised by the criminal justice system that the interests of justice and the rights of the victim can outweigh the suspect's right to certainty. This is already reflected in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, but more needs to be done to correct this historic imbalance and ensure that the people affected by our decisions can hold us to account. It recognises that victims are active participants in the criminal justice process, with both interests to protect and rights to enforce."
(MH/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 March 2010
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
27 October 2008
Prison Reform Groups 'Must Focus On Victims' Needs'
Prison reform campaigners must focus on the needs of the victims, rather than offenders, the Justice Secretary has said today, in an attack of the "criminal justice lobby". In a speech on prison policy to the Royal Society of Arts, Jack Straw is to call for a rebalancing of criminal justice priorities to give victims a stronger voice.
Prison Reform Groups 'Must Focus On Victims' Needs'
Prison reform campaigners must focus on the needs of the victims, rather than offenders, the Justice Secretary has said today, in an attack of the "criminal justice lobby". In a speech on prison policy to the Royal Society of Arts, Jack Straw is to call for a rebalancing of criminal justice priorities to give victims a stronger voice.
05 January 2004
'Life' tariff increased for heinous murders
From today, the start of the new legal year, life will mean life for the most heinous murderers.
'Life' tariff increased for heinous murders
From today, the start of the new legal year, life will mean life for the most heinous murderers.
22 July 2003
Restorative justice will see more criminals face their victims
Proposals to extend the way that restorative justice is used could see more victims of crime, anti-social behaviour and school bullying face those who offended against them, the Home Secretary has announced today. The scheme is currently used with young offenders, but the proposals published today are set to extend its remit.
Restorative justice will see more criminals face their victims
Proposals to extend the way that restorative justice is used could see more victims of crime, anti-social behaviour and school bullying face those who offended against them, the Home Secretary has announced today. The scheme is currently used with young offenders, but the proposals published today are set to extend its remit.
03 April 2003
Greater trans-Atlantic cooperation on law and order
Following the Home Secretary's visit to the US, the government has revealed new measures signalling a greater degree of trans-Atlantic cooperation over criminal justice and national defence. Earlier today, David Blunkett and the Lord Chancellor Derry Irvine today announced plans to support the development of US-style community courts in Britain.
Greater trans-Atlantic cooperation on law and order
Following the Home Secretary's visit to the US, the government has revealed new measures signalling a greater degree of trans-Atlantic cooperation over criminal justice and national defence. Earlier today, David Blunkett and the Lord Chancellor Derry Irvine today announced plans to support the development of US-style community courts in Britain.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
