updated 18 Oct 2019; 2 Sep 2024; 29 Jun 2026

Trespass is not of itself a criminal offence. However there are some offences in which trespass is an essential element and this guidance sets out the most commonly encountered examples of such offences. Prosecutors should also have regard as appropriate to the CPS legal guidance on Public Order Offences and Offences during Protests, Demonstrations and Campaigns.

Issued 17 Oct 2013, revised 26 Jul 2017, updated 22 Nov 2018, 11 Jan 2023, 14 Jan 2026; 29 Jun 2026

Updated: 28 Nov 2019; 18 Jun 2026

The CPS has published a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy for 2017-2020 providing a framework outlining the approach taken to these crimes.

Revised: Jan 2019; 6 Feb 2026; 29 June 2026

Updated: 10 Dec 2025

Revised: Sep 2019; 26 Feb 2026

The definition of forced marriage to be used will be in line with the offence under section 121 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

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)

Rewritten: 15 March 2023

The basic principle is that it is for the prosecution, not the court, to decide whether a prosecution should be commenced and, if commenced, whether it should continue.

Updated: 31 Jan 2024, 17 Oct 2024, 31 Oct 2024, 5 Nov 2024, 13 Feb 2025, 17 Mar 2025, 17 Jul 2025, 16 Apr 2026, 24 Apr 2026

This guidance specifies the cases which must be referred to CPS Headquarters (Private Office, Director of Legal Services, Press Office); Central Casework Divisions and CPS Proceeds of Crime; Chief Crown Prosecutors/Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutors or Area Complex Casework Units/Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Units for information or for decision making.

Updated: Oct 2019; 1 Nov 2024; 31 Jul 2026