Crown Prosecution (UK)
Job Description:Crown prosecutors decide if there's enough evidence to take cases to court. Otherwise known as a Reviewing Lawyer in other countries.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- Decide if there’s enough evidence to convict
- Explain decisions to lawyers, witnesses, the police and other agencies
- Prepare the case for the prosecution
- Present the case to a panel of magistrates, judges or a jury
- Question people in court and sum up the case for the prosecution
- You may also train other prosecutors or represent the Crown Prosecution Service at conferences.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- Legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- The ability to read English
- The ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- To be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
As well as:
- Excellent verbal & written communication skills
- Active listening skills
- Analytical thinking skills – Crown Prosecutors must critically analyze complex legal and factual issues to build strong cases. This involves identifying relevant laws, assessing evidence, and developing effective legal strategies.
- Research Skills: Thorough research is crucial for gathering evidence, preparing legal arguments, and staying updated on legal developments. Effective research skills will help you build a compelling case.
- Attention to Detail: Prosecutors must pay close attention to details in evidence, documents, and legal arguments. Small details can make a significant difference in a case’s outcome.
- Time Management: Handling multiple cases, court appearances, and administrative tasks requires strong organisational and time management skills.
- Adaptability and Resilience: The legal landscape can be challenging and unpredictable. Being able to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate unexpected situations is crucial.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Crown Prosecutors often work closely with law enforcement, other legal professionals, and support staff. Collaborative skills are important for effective case management.
Entry Requirements:
School Subjects
In the UK, while there is no strict set of GCSE subjects that are absolutely required, certain subjects can provide a strong basis for pursuing a legal career.
Typically, it’s beneficial to choose a mix of subjects that emphasise skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, and analysis. Here are some subjects that can be helpful for aspiring lawyers:
- English Language: Strong communication skills are essential in the legal profession, and English Language GCSE will help you develop your reading, writing, and verbal skills.
- Mathematics: While not directly related to law, a solid foundation in mathematics can help develop your logical and analytical thinking skills, which are important in legal reasoning.
- History: Studying history can help you develop skills in critical analysis, research, and forming well-structured arguments – all of which are crucial in the legal field.
- Religious Studies or Philosophy: These subjects can help you develop skills in ethical reasoning and philosophical thinking, which are relevant to legal discussions and decision-making.
- Science Subjects: While not strictly required, science subjects can help develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in law.
- Foreign Languages: Learning a foreign language can be beneficial if you’re interested in international law or working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Social Sciences: Subjects like Psychology, Sociology, or Economics can help you understand human behavior and societal structures, which can be relevant in various legal contexts.
The specific GCSE subjects you choose will lay the foundation for further education and training in law.
Post School
After completing your GCSEs, you would typically progress to A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) and then onto a law degree (LLB) or another related degree, followed by legal practice courses (such as the Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course) if you’re pursuing a career as a solicitor or barrister.
You are required to have:
- At least a lower second class (2:2) degree
- Trained as a solicitor or barrister
- Completed your Legal Practice Course or Bar
- Professional Training Course
- Finished a 2 year training contract or a 12 month pupillage
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 36-38 hours of work. You could be required to work on evenings/weekends/bank holidays.
You could work in an office or in a court.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you could:
- With experience and further training you could progress to senior crown prosecutor.
- From there you could become crown advocate, senior crown advocate and principal crown advocate.