NCJ Number
79153
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 54 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1981) Pages: 58-66
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This British article discusses information needed by police officers who act as police prosecutors in British courts.
Abstract
Police officers need to know how to prepare, open and present a case, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and discuss points of law in court. Adequate preparation for appearance in court is essential. When a prosecutor receives a file of evidence from the police bench office, the decision to prosecute the defendant will have already been made. However, the file should be read fully to establish that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the case. Early examination of the file allows time to clear up any points of confusion and to gain further information from the officer who prepared the case initially. A brief summary should be made of the facts of the case and a check should be made to see that all witnesses have been warned. Punctuality in court is also essential. Cases prosecuted by police officers are either summary, hybrid, or indictable offenses to be dealt with summarily. During the trial, the facts of the case and the law on the matter should be outlined, making sure to use clarity, simplicity, and preciseness in the delivery. The article also discusses the examination in chief of witnesses (to establish all facts which prove the case), close of the case for the prosecution, cross-examination, reexamination of witnesses, and the final speech and points of law. Five references are provided.