Introduction to Prosecuting 2008

The 4 modules that make up this course form the first part of the Introduction to Prosecuting programme for new lawyers.

These modules must be completed prior to attending the face to face aspect of the Introduction to Prosecuting course.

Advocacy Development Programme

16 modules supporting the Advocacy Development Programme for new lawyers – they cover Stage one Principals and Stage two Advanced Principals.

Speaking up for Justice: The Basics

The Speaking up for Justice module (basics and detailed) will enable users to gain a sound basic understanding of the provisions of Part II of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act, 1999 relating to special measures for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.

These 'Basics' module provide an overview of the legislation, practice guidance and policy and are supported by the 'more detail' modules also available as part of this training package.

This module forms the pre-course work for the face to face training, and should be completed prior to taking up the classroom training; they can also be used as a stand-alone training package.

Speaking up for Justice: In More Detail

The Speaking up for Justice module (basics and detailed) will enable users to gain a sound basic understanding of the provisions of Part II of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act, 1999 relating to special measures for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.

These 'more detail' modules complement the basic Speaking up for Justice modules and provide more in-depth information about the legislative measures, Speaking up for Justice's non-legislative recommendations, and published practice guidance.

This module forms the pre-course work for the face to face training, and should be completed prior to taking up the classroom training; they can also be used as a stand-alone training package.

Proceeds of Crime 2008

There are 7 modules that make up this course. They cover the procedure for making and obtaining a confiscation order, applying for and granting a restraint order, appointing a management receiver and the role of the prosecutor in enforcement. The course is then further sub-divided into four mini-modules on Absconders, Cash for Forfeiture, Cost and Compensation and Reconsidering Confiscation Orders. The final two modules cover investigative orders and how to deal with money laundering offences.

Drafting and Indictments

There are 6 modules that make up this course. The first three cover the Form of Bill parts 1-3. Modules 4 and 5 look at Prosecutor’s Pitfalls i.e. how to ensure an indictment is secure, how a bill is lodged and how to identify and deal with duplicitous counts and the final module covers ‘The Prosecutor’s Repair Kit’ i.e. how to add, substitute, amend or remove counts and explains the process for quashing indictments.

The Threshold Test

This module examines the Threshold Test - the decision making standard on Charging issues. It is used to determine whether a suspect is detained, released on pre-charge or if their case may be referred to a Prosecutor for a Charging decision.

Prosecutor’s Pledge

This module on the Prosecutors Pledge is a new step in putting victim's interests at the heart of the Criminal Justice System. It examines the 10 points of the Prosecutors Pledge in detail.

Conditional Cautioning Programme

This programme, consisting of five modules, aims to prepare Crown Prosecutors for the effective operation of the Conditional Cautioning scheme.

Pre Charge Bail

The aim of this module is to identify and clarify the purpose, application and consequences of the provisions of S.37(7) of PACE 1984, for the granting of pre-charge bail. The programme also covers the role and responsibilities of Custody Officers and Duty Prosecutors in accordance with the Director's Guidance on Charging.

Associate Prosecutors

There are 10 online modules supporting the continuing development of both new and experienced Associate Prosecutors as advocates. The modules cover basic principles of Magistrates court advocacy (modules 1 - 5) together with more advanced principles (modules 6-10).

Prosecuting Domestic Violence

The Prosecuting Domestic Violence programme aims to improve the level of understanding of all CPS in relation to domestic violence issues, including issues of victim safety and offender accountability.The programme consists of five modules, with an overall learning time of around seven hours. The e Learning modules are accompanied by a workbook, please ensure that you have access to a printer when you start the programme as you will be asked to print this out.

Disclosure – Foundation

This programme consists of 7 modules and introduces the learner to the fundamental Prosecution duty of Disclosure. The focus is upon the requirement to disclose to the defence that material which is ‘unused’ and satisfies the statutory test. This is in contrast to the evidence upon which the Prosecution relies to prove the case. Only if the responsibilities of Disclosure are rigorously applied can any case be said to have been conducted fairly and objectively.

The aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the skill and knowledge to effectively comply with the obligations imposed by statute, recognise the types of material involved and deal with the appropriate review and service of that material.

Whist touched upon, there are aspects of a more complex nature such as Public Interest immunity and Third Party Material, which are not dealt with in depth. The learner will find further sources of guidance upon these topics contained within the Programme.

Completion of the programme should take no longer than 2 hours and 5 minutes in total.

Associate Prosecutors – Extended Powers

Completion of the Case Management Hearings module together with the module on Custody Time Limits and the classroom tuition on Bail applications constitutes the requisite training to fulfil your extended remit.

Fraud

This programme of 7 modules introduces everyone involved in casework to the changes in the prosecution of fraud as effected by the provisions of the Fraud Act 2006.

In total it lasts no more than two hours, including a module each on pre course and post course assessment of your knowledge.

Repeals, jurisdiction and, in particular, the newly created offences are examined with special reference to the broader scope of fraudulent acts now captured by the Act. Guidance on the application of the Public Interest criteria is given together with an introduction to the Fraud Prosecution Service.

European Convention on Human Rights

This programme revisits and renews the training delivered service wide when the Human Rights Act (HRA) first came into force in October 2000, giving effect in UK law to the rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Since then a Government commissioned review has highlighted the need for Government departments to revise their human rights training and guidance.

The programme comprises eight modules with an anticipated completion time of two hours and 45 minutes. It is aimed at providing Prosecutors, Associate Prosecutors and legal trainees with a practical background on the application of the ECHR and the HRA when advising on charging decisions, prosecuting cases and engaging with victims and witnesses.

Drink/Drugs Driving, and Driving whilst Disqualified

The first part of this module explores the drink driving offences and legislation, and considers how to deal with common trial issues including the question of 'reasonable excuse'. The second part relates to the offence of driving whilst disqualified, in particular the evidential difficulties which may arise.

Introduction to Damage to Property

This module examines the law in respect of the basic offences of damage to property contained in the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Issues raised include the statutory defence, the rules relating to marital property and to venue, and sentencing.

Introduction to the Theft Acts 1968 & 1978

This module considers the straightforward offences of theft, making off without payment, going equipped, burglary and handling stolen goods. It also contains an overview of the money laundering offences and being found on enclosed premises. It does not extend to indictable-only Theft Act offences.

Introduction to Offences Against the Person

This module provides an introduction to the less serious offences against the person. It explores the application of the Charging Standard, common defences, and sentencing topics such as Victim Personal Statements and Newton hearings.

PACE

This module will familiarise you with the requirements and restraints of the Codes of Practice annexed to Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 as amended by the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. Particular reference is made to the exercise by the Police of powers of stop and search, arrest and entry search and seizure.

Identification

In two parts, this module is an overview of the issues surrounding the admissibility and evidential weight of facial identification.

Part 1 examines the types and sources of identification with special reference to the "Turnbull" factors.

Part 2 concentrates on the requirements and restraints imposed by Code D of PACE 1984 on the holding of formal identification procedures.

Custody Time Limits

This module is an overview of the main requirements of the Custody Time Limits Regulations as applied in the Magistrates Courts. The basic rules are set out and explained, together with reference to the applicable periods, their effect and the consequences of failing to adhere to those limits. There is a worked example to test understanding of how calculating the limits accurately is achieved. The module links directly to the current Custody Time Limit Ready Reckoner. The module is not intended to replace the half day classroom course which is available for all staff, but may be useful as a pre cursor to that course.

The Adult Criminal Case Management Framework (ACCMF)

The two modules that comprise this programme introduce the Criminal Case Management Framework as it applies in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court.

Road Traffic Offences

This programme contains two modules: (1) Procedure, Definitions, Documents; and (2) Speeding, Signs, and Construction and Use.

When studied together with the Driving Offences programme, and the Drink / Disqualified Driving module, it covers all of the motoring legislation and offences which a new Crown Prosecutor is likely to encounter.

Driving Offences

This programme contains three modules: (1) Driving Offences; (2) Accidents; (3) Vehicle Crime.

When studied together with the Road Traffic Offences programme, and the Drink / Disqualified Driving module, it covers all of the motoring legislation and offences which a new Crown Prosecutor is likely to encounter.