- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- knowledge of English language
- excellent verbal communication skills
- active listening skills
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to read English
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
In this role you could be:
- checking facts and documents for each case
- advising which charges are suitable
- explaining decisions to defence lawyers, witnesses, the police and other agencies
- deciding if there's enough evidence to convict, and if it's reliable and can be used in court
- preparing the case for the prosecution
- making sure relevant evidence is put before the court
- presenting the case to a panel of magistrates or judges, or to a judge and jury, depending on the court
- questioning the defendant and witnesses
- summing up the case for the prosecution
You'll also be:
- training other prosecutors and caseworkers
- representing the CPS at casework conferences
You could work in an office or in a court.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
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.
You can find out more about being a crown prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service.
