Society backs CPS charge pilot

The Law Society has voiced its support for a pilot scheme launched to evaluate recommendations in the Auld Report concerning the charging of defendants.In his review of the criminal justice system, Sir Robin Auld proposed that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) should take over the responsibility - currently with the police - of determining the charge for defendants at the outset of prosecutions.Graham White, chairman of the Law Society's criminal law committee, said: 'We are fully behind the recommendations as they potentially save time and money, and create a level of certainty from the outset.

The defendants will know exactly where they stand, and it will stop instances where cases erroneously go to the Crown Court because the police have overcharged somebody.' Mr White said he supported the close involvement of the CPS at the earliest possible stage of prosecutions in all instances, including taking on a directing role in matters of disclosure.The pilot scheme is to run on a six-month trial basis in Bath, throughout Essex, the Medway area of Kent, Wrexham and Halifax - with Bristol becoming involved in April.The full report from the CPS on the pilot is scheduled to be published in autumn this year.

Andrew Towler