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File on 4: CPS: Prosecutors on Trial

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15/09/2015

CPS: Prosecutors on Trial

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, CPS: Prosecutors on Trial

Under fire over controversial decisions, is the Crown Prosecution Service up to the job?

The Crown Prosecution Service is being battered by cuts and by criticism of high profile charging decisions. Danny Shaw investigates concerns that it is failing to cope.

Controversial charging decisions in the cases of Lord Janner, Operation Elveden and a doctor accused of female genital mutilation have brought a hostile reaction in the media to the Director of Public Prosecutions and increasing concern about the health of her organisation - the Crown Prosecution Service. 

Over the past five years the CPS has seen budget cuts of over 25% resulting in job losses and internal reforms. Despite this, the organisation maintains that it continues to improve performance - measured by conviction rates in both magistrates' and Crown Courts.

However, there are increasing concerns about staff morale, the quality of decision-making and the standard of advocacy in court . BBC Home Affairs Correspondent, Danny Shaw has been hearing frank testimony from both inside and outside the CPS which presents a revealing picture of the justice system in England and Wales.

Presenter: Danny Shaw Producer: Ian Muir-Cochrane.

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