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)
Prosecution GuidanceViolent Crime, Weapons and Public Safety
There is a presumption that a defendant should be unfettered in court unless there are reasonable grounds for restraint. The onus is on the prosecution to show reasonable grounds for the use of handcuffs.
Prosecution GuidanceCourt Processes and Case Management
This guidance is to assist prosecutors who will sometimes have to decide whether to charge an offence, or continue with a prosecution, where a nominal penalty is likely.
Prosecution GuidanceSexual offencesCourt Processes and Case Management
Updated: 2 August 2022; 26 April 2023; 24 July 2023
This guidance provides an overview of how prosecutors can obtain evidence from overseas for use in criminal investigation or proceedings in England and Wales. More detailed process guidance can be found on the Casework Hub.
Prosecution GuidanceInternational and organised crimeInternational and extradition
Judges, district judges and magistrates may express a view about CPS policy, decision- making or conduct of a particular case. This may be in public or in private; favourable or unfavourable.
Prosecution GuidanceCourt Processes and Case Management
In some circumstances, the parties to the case can challenge the empanelment of a juror through ‘Stand By’ or ‘Challenge to Cause’, full details of which are set out in this document.
Prosecution GuidanceCourt Processes and Case Management
