HC Deb 20 June 2003 vol 407 c450W
Mr. George Osborne

To ask the Solicitor General what plans she has to change the way in which the criminal justice system deals with mothers accused of murdering their children; and if she will make a statement. [119933]

The Solicitor-General

The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to apply the two-stage test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors—namely, whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction and whether a prosecution is required in the public interest. In the light of the Sally Clark judgment the Crown Prosecution Service is issuing guidance to all Chief Crown Prosecutors instructing that the defence should be made aware of the criticisms of the Court of Appeal should any future case involving Dr. Williams or Professor Meadow arise. The CPS is also involved in a number of working groups that are considering the work of expert witnesses.

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