The Prosecutor's Pledge

The publication of the Prosecutor's Pledge on 21 October 2005 gave victims of crime a clear commitment of the role the prosecutor will undertake on their behalf.

The Pledge sets out how the prosecutors will protect the interests of victims from the point of charge right through to appeal. This will include considering the impact of the crime on the victim and their family when charging the defendant, clear and early information if a charge is withdrawn or the case is substantially changed, and protection from unwarranted character attacks by the defendants lawyer during the trial.

Where there is an identifiable victim the prosecutor will:

• Take into account the impact on the victim or their family when making a charging decision.
• Inform the victim where the charge is withdrawn, discontinued or substantially altered.
• Where practical, seek a victim's view or that of the family when considering the acceptability of a plea.
• Address the specific needs of a victim and, where justified, seek to protect their identity by making an appropriate application to the court.
• Assist victims at court to refresh their memory from their written or video statement and answer their questions on court procedure and processes.
• Promote and encourage two-way communications between victim and prosecutor at court.
• Protect victims from unwarranted or irrelevant attacks on their character and may seek the courts intervention where cross examination is considered to be inappropriate or oppressive.
• On conviction, robustly challenge defence mitigation which is derogatory to a victim's character.
• On conviction apply for appropriate order for compensation, restitution or future protection for the victim.
• Keep victims informed of the progress of any appeal, and explain the effect of the courts judgement.