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Update: Publication of the Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure and the Criminal Procedure Investigations Act 1996 Code of Practice

17 December 2020

Proposing MP
Fareham and Waterlooville
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Attorney General

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement provides an update on the publication of revised Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure and the Criminal Procedure Investigations Act (CPIA) Code of Practice to improve the criminal justice system's handling of unused material in cases.

Action Requested

The updated Guidelines and the CPIA Code of Practice will be effective from December 31, 2020, addressing challenges such as cultural change, earlier disclosure performance, technology use, and privacy considerations. The Government aims to encourage improvements in the disclosure process and increase public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Key Facts

  • The Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure were updated following a Review of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Disclosure in the Criminal Justice System published in November 2018.
  • The changes address cultural change, earlier performance of disclosure obligations, use of technology, and balancing privacy with fair trial rights.
  • Both the Guidelines and CPIA Code of Practice will be effective from December 31, 2020.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy