Updated: 31 May 2022 and 09 September 2022

This Legal Guidance is intended to assist when prosecutors are asked to advise on allegations that an offence has been committed involving a doll with childlike characteristics which is capable of being used for sexual purposes. It relates to possible offences of importing a childlike sex doll, distributing or selling it (or having it with intent to do so), or sending it by post. There is no offence of simple possession of a childlike sex doll.

Updated: 2 Mar 2023; minor revision 5 Jan 2024; Revised 26 Feb 2026

This legal guidance sets out how prosecutors should apply the Code for Crown Prosecutors (the Code) when considering any offences which fall within the definition of 'Honour'-Based Abuse (HBA)

Updated: 20 Nov 2023, 1 Nov 2024; 10 Nov 2025

Updated: 17 August 2023; 27 November 2023; minor revision 19 January 2024, 7 February 2025

Updated: 20 May 2021

Updated: 30 Jan 2020; 15 Oct 2024; 18 May 2026

Reviewed and udpated: 31/08/2019

The primary duty of the CPS is to deliver justice through the independent and effective prosecution of crime. The purpose of making a charging decision is to determine whether a suspect should be subject to criminal proceedings. The charging decision is the gateway to the criminal justice system with all the protections that the process affords.

Updated: Oct 2019; 24 May 2024; 15 Dec 2025

The purpose of this document is to provide practical and legal guidance to prosecutors dealing with cases that involve children (Article 1 of the UN Convention defines a child as any person who has not yet reached their 18th birthday) as victims and witnesses.

updated: 24 Mar 2025; 6 Feb 2026

Various statutes regulate telecommunications, television, broadcasting and postal services and create many offences of which those most frequently encountered by the CPS are considered in this guidance.

Updated: 5 October 2022, 2 June 2025

Prosecutors will have come across an increasing number of cases in recent years that are not solely confined to the jurisdiction of England and Wales.