Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the Government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the Police in England and Wales and they are responsible for:-

	Advising the Police on the case for possible prosecution;
	Reviewing cases submitted by the Police;
	Determining any charges in all but minor cases;
	Preparing cases for Court;
	Presenting cases at Court

The Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and when it is in the public interest to do so.

Advocates representing the Crown Prosecution Service prosecute the majority of criminal cases that are heard within the Magistrates Courts and the Crown Courts. 

Magistrates Courts deal with the less serious criminal offences.  Youth Courts are special Magistrates Courts which deal with all but the most serious charges against persons aged between 10 (the age of criminal responsibility) and under 18.  Crown Courts deal with the most serious offences, which are triable by a Judge and Jury.

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