Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Paragraph: 76
There is a strong case that organisations which bring significant numbers of private prosecutions should...
Conclusion
There is a strong case that organisations which bring significant numbers of private prosecutions should be subject to inspections. If an organisation is found to be misusing the power to bring private prosecutions, then the body responsible for inspecting all prosecutors and enforcing the code, be it the CPS, HMCPSI or another public body, should be able to remove the right of an organisation to bring a prosecution, or to require them to obtain consent from the Attorney General or the DPP before they can initiate a prosecution.
Paragraph Reference:
76
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We agree that there should be no disparity between the standard of justice in private and public prosecutions. The same evidential and legal standards apply to both, and we are confident that reforms such as those made in Criminal Procedure Rules in 2019, and those now proposed to the costs regime, will help to avoid any such disparity.