Prosecution guidance
Guidance for legal professionals about how COPFS makes prosecution decisions and how we work with partner organisations. Plus, guidelines for the police.
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Agricultural crime policy
Prosecution policy explaining how prosecutors deal with reports relating to agricultural crime.
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Deceased suspects policy
This policy explains how prosecutors approach criminal cases where the suspect has died.
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Domestic abuse cases statement of prosecution policy
Statement of prosecution policy in domestic abuse cases and importance of ensuring support is available to enable victims to engage.
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Lord Advocate’s rules: Review of a decision not to prosecute
Read the Lord Advocate's rule regarding a victims' right to review following a decision not to prosecute.
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Offensive Weapons Statement of Prosecution Policy
Prosecution Policy in relation to relevant offences committed during the offensive weapons surrender campaign, between 1 July 2022 and 30 September 2022.
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Pre-trial therapy provision for victims of sexual crime
Guidance for those supporting victims of sexual crime who wish to seek therapeutic support or counselling prior to or during court proceedings.
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Prosecution Code
The Prosecution Code sets out the criteria for decision making, the range of options available to COPFS prosecutors, and the values which underpin decisions.
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Prosecution policy on the sexual transmission of infection
Prosecution policy explaining how COPFS deals with cases involving an allegation of intentional or reckless sexual transmission of, or exposure to, infection.
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Refugees policy
Prosecution policy explaining how prosecutors apply Section 31 of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 which provides protection for refugees/presumptive refugees.
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Refugees Policy: Annex B
Annex B of the COPFS Refugee Policy which provides the prosecution with guidance on the application of the defence in Section 31 of the Immigration Act 1999.