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<p>All cases are kept under constant review as they progress through the criminal
justice system. If new evidence comes to light, a witness decides to no longer support
a prosecution or a co-defendant pleads guilty to the offence, the CPS will then review
the case. If there is no longer sufficient evidence or if it is no longer in the public
interest, the CPS will stop a prosecution.</p><p>The Transforming Summary Justice
(TSJ) and Better Case Management (BCM) initiatives, introduced nationally, are recent
programmes which will have a material and positive impact on both levels and timing
of discontinuance. These include earlier, pre-first magistrates’ hearing case review
by prosecutors; an emphasis on early defence engagement; listing periods that support
the time required to prepare the case; and improved processes to gather and serve
evidential material and disclosure prior to court hearings.</p>
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