*/
THE Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association welcome the publication of the House of Commons Justice Select Committee’s report on the Work of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The report, entitled The Crown Prosecution Service: Gatekeeper of the Criminal Justice System, highlights areas for attention which include consistency, the piecemeal way in which its functions are developing and the proportion of cases taken by in-house advocates.
The report calls for the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions to define the role of the prosecutor in the criminal justice system. That role has evolved incrementally, with no clear framework in which their roles have developed, and as a result it is recommended that the CPS needs to be given direction to ensure that it provides a defined, efficient and effective service. The report stresses that the implications for the criminal justice system as a whole of the increased use of in-house advocacy must be taken into account, not just the organisational interests of the CPS. In particular the committee states that “The development of CPS advocacy cannot simply be seen as the next logical step in how the CPS should develop..” and it echoes concerns expressed in evidence given by the CBA in recognising that “the consequences of CPS advocacy on the future provision and quality of legal services as a whole require attention”
Commenting on the Select Committee’s report, Desmond Browne QC, the Chairman of the Bar, said:
“The Crown Prosecution Service is a vital part of the criminal justice system in England and Wales, and it is essential that it performs effectively in the public interest. Quality advocacy is an absolute priority for the employed and self employed Bar, all of whom are represented by the Bar Council. But it is important to recognise, as this report does, that effective advocacy also depends upon efficient and effective case preparation. ”
Peter Lodder QC, Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association said: “I was pleased to give evidence on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association to the Justice Committee earlier this year. We welcome this report and its recommendation to the CPS to reflect upon the future provision of advocacy services. The self-employed bar must continue to play a significant role in the prosecution of cases at all levels.”
Commenting on the Select Committee’s report, Desmond Browne QC, the Chairman of the Bar, said:
“The Crown Prosecution Service is a vital part of the criminal justice system in England and Wales, and it is essential that it performs effectively in the public interest. Quality advocacy is an absolute priority for the employed and self employed Bar, all of whom are represented by the Bar Council. But it is important to recognise, as this report does, that effective advocacy also depends upon efficient and effective case preparation. ”
Peter Lodder QC, Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association said: “I was pleased to give evidence on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association to the Justice Committee earlier this year. We welcome this report and its recommendation to the CPS to reflect upon the future provision of advocacy services. The self-employed bar must continue to play a significant role in the prosecution of cases at all levels.”
THE Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association welcome the publication of the House of Commons Justice Select Committee’s report on the Work of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The report, entitled The Crown Prosecution Service: Gatekeeper of the Criminal Justice System, highlights areas for attention which include consistency, the piecemeal way in which its functions are developing and the proportion of cases taken by in-house advocates.
The report calls for the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions to define the role of the prosecutor in the criminal justice system. That role has evolved incrementally, with no clear framework in which their roles have developed, and as a result it is recommended that the CPS needs to be given direction to ensure that it provides a defined, efficient and effective service. The report stresses that the implications for the criminal justice system as a whole of the increased use of in-house advocacy must be taken into account, not just the organisational interests of the CPS. In particular the committee states that “The development of CPS advocacy cannot simply be seen as the next logical step in how the CPS should develop..” and it echoes concerns expressed in evidence given by the CBA in recognising that “the consequences of CPS advocacy on the future provision and quality of legal services as a whole require attention”
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Susie Griffin on the admin that keeps barristers from billable work
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
In an era of patient-centred care and growing concern over misconduct in medical settings, why do women still lack the right to choose women consultants for examination and treatment? Charles Davey investigates
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
