Criminal Procedure for Prosecutors - A Step by Step Guide

Introduction

This recently re-vamped course now includes a section on dealing with drink/ drive disclosure. The day will look at troublesome issues based on real-life scenarios and is designed to give prosecutors the knowledge of procedure and case law from first hearings through to dealing with issues which arise and can derail a trial. The day will equip you to take control at the outset or to regain control if things go awry.

It is aimed at anyone who prosecutes in the Magistrates' Court but may also be of value to Crown Court advocates who wish to brush up on recent developments.

The course contains example case studies all typical daily court life, for delegates to work through using the case law, the Criminal Procedure Rules - sword and shield and other material taught during the course. There will also be opportunity for you to discuss problems you may have encountered.

What You Will Learn

This course will cover the following:

• The basics - burden and standard of proof and recent case law
• The first hearing - what the court expects
• Things which can and should be for today - special measures, witness summonses
• Problems with unused material
• Defence not setting out the issues
• Can the defence still put to proof?
• What should the Court’s approach be in such cases of putting to proof?
• Is your expert evidence admissible?
• Specialist cases - the drink drive ‘take every point’ scenario
• Vulnerable witness, including ground rules hearings
• Vulnerable defendants
• ‘Unfit to Plead’ in the Magistrates’ Court
• Common problems at trial
• Hearsay
• Bad character
• Memory-refreshing
• Lost evidence
• Ambushes and how to stop them
• Points of law you hadn’t expected
• Service of evidence is denied
• Defence attempts to include new issues/extend the time estimate on the day