WHAT DOES THE DPP DO

WHO IS THE DPP?

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is an independent crown prosecutor who makes decisions on whether or not to prosecute criminal cases in England and Wales.

The DPP oversees the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), conducts criminal investigations, institutes criminal proceedings, and provides legal advice to law enforcement agencies.

The DPP is appointed by the Attorney General, who is the government’s chief legal adviser.

WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DPP?

The DPP has several key functions, including:

• Deciding whether or not to prosecute criminal cases.
• Conducting criminal investigations.
• Instituting criminal proceedings.
• Providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies.
• Supervising the work of the CPS.

WHEN IS THE DPP LIKELY TO PROSECUTE?

The DPP is more likely to prosecute a case if:

• There is sufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt
• It is in the public interest to prosecute the case

The public interest is a vague standard that incorporates factors such as the seriousness of the crime, the impact on the victim, and the potential sentence.

WHEN IS THE DPP LESS LIKELY TO PROSECUTE?

The DPP is less likely to prosecute a case if:

• The evidence against the defendant is weak
• The defendant is unlikely to be convicted
• The defendant is likely to receive a non-custodial sentence
• The prosecution would disproportionately harm the defendant

In these cases, the DPP may decide to offer the defendant a conditional caution.

HOW DOES THE DPP MAKE DECISIONS?

The DPP makes decisions based on a number of factors, including:

• The evidence in the case
• The public interest
• The defendant’s circumstances
• The views of the victim
• The likely outcome of the trial

The DPP also consults with senior CPS lawyers and the police before making a final decision.

CONCLUSION

The DPP plays a vital role in the criminal justice system in England and Wales. The DPP’s decisions have a significant impact on the lives of defendants, victims, and the public as a whole.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Who is the DPP?
• What are the functions of the DPP?
• When is the DPP likely to prosecute?
• When is the DPP less likely to prosecute?
• How does the DPP make decisions?