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Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS statement: Self Defence

CPS statement: Self Defence

12/01/2005

CPS supports today's announcement by the Home Office.

CPS believes the Criminal Justice System should:

  • reach fair and just decisions
  • have the confidence of the law abiding majority
  • encourage the public to support the fight against crime.

Ken Macdonald QC, Director of Public Prosecutions said today:

"I am satisfied Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act does not require amendment, but I recognise public confidence must be improved. This can only be achieved following clarification of this law.

"The CPS, working with the Association of Chief Police Officers, will publish joint guidance to help the public understand their rights so that any citizen who confronts a criminal in defence of their property, themselves or another, and who uses reasonable and proportionate force, does so in the knowledge that they will be fully supported by the Criminal Justice System."

  1. The CPS Charging Standards for Prosecutors on self defence, issued on 26 November 2004, are available on this website.
  2. Media enquiries to CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8102.