Updated: 8 Apr 2025; 15 Apr 2025; 14 May 2025; 23 Jul 2025; 28 May 2026

Updated: 16 August 2023, 1 May 2025, 16 July 2025

This guidance sets out considerations for Prosecutors and the Police following the coming into force of the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 (“the 2018 Act”) on 13 November 2018.

Updated: 16 July 2018

Prior to 6 April 2008, it was possible for a corporate entity, such as a company, to be prosecuted for a wide range of criminal offences, including the common law offence of gross negligence manslaughter. However, in order for the company to be guilty of the offence, it was also necessary for a senior individual who could be said to embody the company (also known as a 'controlling mind') to be guilty of the offence. This was known as the identification principle.

Last Updated: 30 October 2023

The main explosives offences relate to:

Updated: 29 March 2023

Updated: 29 Jul 2020; 24 Mar 2021; 29 Oct 2021; 27 Nov 2025

A firearm is "a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged" (section 57(1) Firearms Act 1968)

Updated: 21 Jun 2024; 15 Oct 2024; 10 Mar 2026

Murder and manslaughter are two of the offences that constitute homicide.

Updated: 21 Mar 2022; 27 Jun 2022; 23 Jul 2024; 31 Oct 2024; 21 Nov 2025; 26 Feb 2026

The standard contained in this chapter is designed to assist prosecutors and police officers in selecting the most appropriate charge, in the light of the facts that can be proved, at the earliest possible opportunity. The standard set out below should not be used when reaching any investigatory decision, such as the decision to arrest.