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The Role of The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.

As the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:

  • advising the police on cases for possible prosecution
  • reviewing cases submitted by the police
  • determining any charges in more serious or complex cases
  • preparing cases for court
  • presenting cases at court

Find out more about the role of the Crown Prosecution Service

Crimes involving young people

Young people as victims and witnesses

Being a victim or a witness to a crime is not easy, but we work hard to bring offenders to justice. Throughout the justice process we will support young victims and witnesses and treat them with dignity.

Find out more about how we support young victims and witnesses

Youth crime

The Crown Prosecution Service acts in partnership with other agencies such as the police, the youth justice board, children's services, courts and youth offending teams. Each area of the CPS has a youth justice specialist who oversees the prosecution of youth crime in their area.

Find out more about how we prosecute youth crime

Home » News Centre » Press Statements » CPS statement on Steven Barker judgement

CPS statement on Steven Barker judgement

21/01/2010

"The Crown Prosecution Service is pleased with the judgement handed down today. It shows that age is no bar to justice.

"The young child in this case demonstrated extraordinary courage and the ruling reinforces the fact that whatever the age of the victim, as long as the legal safeguards and support necessary to ensure a fair trial are in place, their voice will be heard.  Those who abuse children should remember that their victims are not too young to help secure a conviction."

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