Diversions from prosecution: policy and practice

Organised by the UCL Centre for Criminal Law

Speakers

Sarah Boland (Legal Manager, Crown Prosecution Service)
Tony Edwards (TV Edwards LLP, Visiting Professor at QMUL)

Chair

Lord Justice Peter Gross (Judge, Court of Appeal)

1.5 learning hours for Bar Standards Board training records

About the talk

As more magistrates’ courts close and funds for criminal justice remain very limited, diversions from court are again likely to be increasingly used by police and prosecutors. In this session, senior figures from the CPS and private practice consider some of the ongoing questions. How are decisions to offer diversions controlled internally, and what are the possible remedies where an inappropriate offer has been made? What are the various considerations when advising a suspect whether to accept a diversion?

Themes and learning outcomes at a glance

• Increased understanding of decision-making on diversions from prosecution
• Up-to-date knowledge of remedies for inappropriate offers of diversion
• Insight into defence strategies in relation to acceptance of diversions.