Crown Prosecutor

Role Purpose
To act as prosecutor and contribute to the work of a Criminal Justice Unit or Trials Unit as deployed, undertaking review, case preparation, advocacy and other tasks.

Job Description

Accountabilities

Casework Review

Assess the quality and sufficiency of evidence, whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction and whether it is in the public interest to proceed.

Apply statute and case law to assess the potential strength and reliability of witnesses.

Assess sufficiency and continuity of evidence on committal papers.

Decide whether cases should proceed or be discontinued.

Recommend which charges are appropriate.

Decisions on representations to make in respect of mode of trial

Review files in preparation for committals including decisions on number of charges.

Provide agreement to acceptable pleas/bind overs on appropriate cases with Designated Prosecutors.

Casework Preparation

Prepare for prosecutions in a range of preliminary, straightforward and contested casework including some either way cases.

The preparation of committal papers including decisions on the form and number of charges, the witnesses and their order and disclosure of unused material.

Advocacy

Decisions on whether or not to oppose bail applications or pleas to a lesser or different charge.

Deciding when to discontinue proceedings

Deciding whether to apply for compensation costs

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Financial Authority

None

Decision Making Authority

As appropriate to the grade

Key Contacts

Internal:

District or Assistant Crown Prosecutor

Designated Crown Prosecutors

Senior Crown Prosecutors

CPS Administrative staff

Caseworkers

External:

Probation Service

Defence Lawyers

Court Staff

Police

Witnesses

Witness services (including voluntary agencies Barristers and their clerks)


Person Specification

Method of Assessment is shown in (italics and brackets)
Skills Leadership · Shares perceptions and values with others to build effective working relationships. (Application Form & Interview) Achieving Results · Takes appropriate action when necessary to ensure targets are met and quality maintained (Application Form & Interview) · Demonstrates an understanding of legal procedures and processes. (Application Form & Interview) Planning & Organising · Balances conflicting priorities where necessary and is aware when prioritising, of the impact on others. (Application Form & Interview) · Anticipates future demands and prepares appropriately anticipates difficulty and develops contingency plans.(Application Form & Interview) Communication & Negotiation · Represents CPS effectively to outside agencies and the public. Takes account of witness care. (Application Form & Interview) · Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, confidently and assertively. (Application Form & Interview) Reasoning & Decision Making · Able to make decisions independently when required.(Application Form & Interview) · Shows sound judgement, reaching balanced and unbiased view, supported by reasoned arguments. (Application Form & Interview) Qualifications (Application Form)
Academic:

Law Degree

or

Common Professional Examination

Professional:

Legal Practice Course

or

Bar Vocational Course

and

Have completed the relevant pupillage.

Knowledge & Experience

A qualified Barrister or Solicitor (Application Form)

A good working knowledge of the criminal justice system, criminal law and procedure and its practical application is essential. (Interview)

Maintaining up to date knowledge of relevant legal matters is essential. (Interview / Written Test)

Sound appreciation of police and court officials' work and procedures (Interview)


Additional Vacancy Information
Starting Salary: £26,800 per annum state full-timeHours: 42 hours per week including lunch breaksPlease click on the Additional Information link below to view the Job Description and Person Specification and full details of how to apply for this vacancy.How to ApplyTo apply for this vacancy, please provide the following: - Specific examples which demonstrate you meet the requirements of the post, as detailed on the person specification (above), which you will input on screen in the boxes provided. You will be provided with instructions on screen on how to structure your examples.- A Curriculum Vitae (CV), which you should upload when prompted.- Answers to specific application questions, which you will see on screen, and answer in the boxes provided. Closing Date for Applications: 23rd May 2008Recruitment Process: The recruitment process will consist of a online application, case study and interview.The dates and locations are as follows:Interviews and case study:date to be confirmedPlease notify the Recruitment centre of any unavailable dates. We will make every effort to accommodate you in your preference for dates; however we cannot guarantee that they will be met.Candidates who are recommended by the selection panel but not appointed to the current vacancy will be placed on a waiting list for 6 months and may be offered another post should any further vacancies for Crown Prosecutor arise in the Cumbria area during this period. Terms and ConditionsRequests for flexible, part-time working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department.Funding is not available to finance a transfer at public expense. Excess fares will be considered in accordance with the Travel and Subsistence Code.ConcernsThe CPS' recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Code which can be found at www.civilservicecommissioners.org. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Code and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact John Ellam, Head of Recruitment, Crown Prosecution Service, 7th Floor (South), Royal Liver Building, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1HN in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners. Helen Martyn Helen.Martyn@cps.gsi.gov.uk0151 239 6388

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