The Prosecutors' Pledge

The Prosecutors' Pledge, published on 21 October 2005, introduced a 10-point commitment that sets out the level of service that victims can expect to receive from prosecutors.

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• Inform the victim where the charge is withdrawn, discontinued or substantially altered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 court's judgement.