§ Ms DrownTo ask the Solicitor-General what steps she is taking to ensure CPS lawyers have the skills to prosecute successfully in rape trials. [64434]
§ The Solicitor-General:Rape cases are acknowledged to be among the most difficult to prosecute to conviction, and the expertise of prosecutors and prosecuting counsel is especially important. The recent joint inspection into the investigation and prosecution of cases involving allegations of rape found that prosecution decision-making is generally sound and handled by experienced prosecutors. But it made a number of recommendations to spread best practice across the CPS, including the need for specialist prosecutors. The CPS is currently working out how best to implement these recommendations to improve the chances that those guilty of rape will be convicted.
An inter-departmental working group expects to respond to the recommendations in the Report as a whole later this month.