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Prosecution of a Case
The prosecution of a crime is carried out normally by the Crown - through the Crime Prosecution Service. The victim of the crime is therefore not a party to the proceedings - he or she is a witness, perhaps a very important witness, but has no particular rights or powers to control or influence the prosecution of the crime.
Victims have no right to appeal a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to prosecute. In theory, such a decision can be challenged in the High Court by way of judicial review, but in practice such a challenge would face very considerable difficulties because the courts will consider that the CPS should have a very wide discretion when deciding which cases should be prosecuted. There is the option however of trying to bring a private prosecution.
However, the Courts, the police and the CPS have certain duties towards the victims. This section sets out those duties.
Victims have no right to appeal a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to prosecute. In theory, such a decision can be challenged in the High Court by way of judicial review, but in practice such a challenge would face very considerable difficulties because the courts will consider that the CPS should have a very wide discretion when deciding which cases should be prosecuted. There is the option however of trying to bring a private prosecution.
However, the Courts, the police and the CPS have certain duties towards the victims. This section sets out those duties.
