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The CPS prosecutor opens the trial – setting out the charges and the facts in the case. Our role is to prove, based on the evidence, that the defendant is guilty. The defence doesn’t need to...
- About CPS
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal...
- The Crown Prosecution Service
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal...
- About CPS
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The CPS is independent, and...
Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role. explain decisions to lawyers, witnesses, the police and other agencies. present the case to a panel of magistrates, judges or a jury....
- The Defendant
- The Defence Lawyer
- The Prosecutor
- The Witness
- Assistance For The Witness
- The Probation Officer
- The Judge
- The Jury
- The Court Clerk
- The Usher
The defendant is the person who has been accused of the offence. The defendant sits in the dock and sometimes a uniformed officer sits next to them.
The defence lawyer will speak on behalf of the defendant and present the case to say why they’re not guilty of the offence. They’ll ask the witnesses and the defendant questions about the accusations. The defence lawyer sometimes wears a wig and gown. Sometimes a defendant will represent themselves.
The prosecutor is a lawyer who presents the case independently on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service. They present evidence to show how the offence happened and challenge the defendant’s evidence if it is given. The prosecutor also asks the witnesses questions about what they saw or heard, or what happened to them. The prosecutor wears a wig a...
The witness gives evidence and answers questions from the witness box. Young or vulnerable witnesses can give evidence by video link from somewhere else or from behind a screen.
A supporter may be able to sit with a young or vulnerable witness while they’re giving evidence. An interpreter will also attend the trial if needed by the witness or defendant. They’ll interpret what’s said during the trial so everyone present can understand each other. Interpreters are independent of both sides.
Probation officers will help the court by providing risk assessments, advice on sentencing and bail, or presenting breaches. The officer may interview the defendant and present relevant information about them, along with a proposal to help decisions of the court.
The judge oversees the trial and makes sure everyone involved is given the opportunity to present their case fairly. At the end of the trial the judge will explain the law and summarise the facts of the case for the jury. If the jury decides that the defendant is guilty, the judge will consider an appropriate sentence. The judge wears a wig and gow...
The jury is made up of 12 members of the public. They listen to the evidence presented to them during the trial. They then decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the offence.
The court clerk sits at the front of the court and prepares the laptops/screens that are used to present evidence during the trial. They read the formal charges to the court and take oaths from members of the jury. They also make notes during the trial. The court clerk wears a black gown.
The usher prepares the court room for the trial. They make sure everyone involved in the trial is taken in to the courtroom at the right time. The usher wears a black gown.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The CPS is independent, and...
The Crown Prosecution Service is the Government Department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.
The CPS is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police and other investigative authorities, in England and Wales. CPS is a non-ministerial department.
