Crown Prosecution Service

The crown prosecution service is responsible for providing a service by presenting a case against the dependents in court. Essentially the role of the prosecutor is to provide, analyse and explain evidence suggesting that the defendant is beyond reasonable doubt guilty of committing a particular crime. The prosecutor is able to gather their evidence in a variety of ways, one being interacting with the police and other officials who were involved with the case to provide appropriate evidence. Secondly they may be able to gain intelligence from other sources which supports their case. From the evidence they gain they are able to build a case file declaring why the defendant is to be found guilty of the crime. This is then presented within the court room, to enable the jury to decide whether they are to be found guilty or not guilty.  

Fundamentally the role and responsibilities of the prosecutor remain the same throughout any investigation that is presented in court. As their priority is to build up a case based on evidence they have gained to present it within the court room, to try and demonstrate that the defendant is guilty of committing that particular crime. However the evidence they collect and the way they present it will differ depending on the case. Also in cases of a more serious nature they advise the police on how to approach the investigation from the beginning, and they will determine what the individual will be charged with. In comparison to a case of a lesser nature in which the police will determine the charge of the individual. 

Relating this role to the case of Paul Morin it can be stated that on the first trial they did not fulfil their responsibilities as Paul Morin was acquitted on his first trial for the murder and rape of Christine Jessop. However he was later arrested and charged with the murder and rape of Christine Jessop, based on inconclusive evidence supplied by the forensic laboratory.  Paul Morin requested an appeal and then before the third trial was about to begin, advances in technology proved the innocence of Paul Morin.