
Prosecutors must have regard to the Secondary Liability: charging decisions on principals and accessories guidance in relevant cases.
Referral Requirements are set out within the Referral of Cases and CPS Case Allocation Guidance.
Corporate Manslaughter, Gross Negligence Manslaughter and Assisting or Encouraging Suicide guidance is separately available. For dangerous driving see CPS Guidance on Charging Offences Arising from Driving Incidents.
There are other specific homicide offences, for example, infanticide, and causing death by dangerous or careless driving. Section 11 and Schedule 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 sets out duties and powers for the suspension of coroners' investigations (including any inquest) where a person has been or may be charged with a homicide offence in connection with the deceased's death. In cases where a request is received for the removal of an organ for transplant purposes, refer the request to the CCP or designated lawyer. Pathologists will generally complete their final report once all other studies have been completed, e.g. Prosecutors are reminded that in cases involving head injuries, delays of up to 12 weeks can occur whilst neurological analysis is undertaken. In most cases, the Crown's pathologist will only provide an interim report giving the likely cause of death. This should be released to the defence as quickly as possible so that they may arrange a second post-mortem if required or so that the coroner may release the deceased's body. Prosecutors should be aware of any local arrangements in the local Crown Court.Ī murder case should not be sent without receipt of a pathologist's statement covering the cause of death. However, following the case of R v Reid (2002) 1 Cr App R 21, there is now no requirement for the Crown to obtain a medical report for the Court's benefit. In every murder case, the court will require a report about the defendant's medical condition. The role and expectation of expert witnesses is set out at Part 19 Criminal Procedure Rules. No bail is to be granted for defendants charged with or convicted of homicide or rape after previous conviction of such offences unless the court or, as the case may be, the constable considering the grant of bail is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances which justify it - Section 25 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The court must give reasons for grant of bail in cases of murder, manslaughter or attempted murder - s.9A Bail Act 1976. Contact the Senior Medical Officer at the local prison nearest the court or telephone the Duty Principal Medical Officer at the Prison Health Policy Unit and Task Force, Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8YG (Tel: 020 7972 4483). Prosecutors who are minded to recommend that a defendant charged with murder might be bailed should be in a position to suggest a place of examination to be specified in a bail condition. Prosecutors should note the provisions of sections 114, 115 Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and section 3(6A) Bail Act 1976. See the Bail guidance for specific considerations relating to murder and manslaughter. The term "involuntary manslaughter" is commonly used to describe manslaughter falling within (2) and (3) while (1) is referred to as "voluntary manslaughter".Ĭases involving allegations of Gross Negligence and Corporate Manslaughter should be referred to Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division - see the Referral Guidance, Gross Negligence Manslaughter Guidance and the Corporate Manslaughter Guidance. Conduct taking the form of an unlawful act involving a danger of some harm that resulted in death ("unlawful and dangerous act manslaughter"). Conduct that was grossly negligent given the risk of death, and did kill ("gross negligence manslaughter") and. Killing with the intent for murder but where a partial defence applies, namely loss of control, diminished responsibility or killing pursuant to a suicide pact. Manslaughter can be committed in one of three ways: Murder and manslaughter are two of the offences that constitute homicide. Familial Deaths and Serious Physical Harm.