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<p>The Law Officers superintend the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The CPS is the
principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales with responsibility for charging
decisions in criminal cases.</p><p> </p><p>The CPS has published clear legal guidance
which recognises the principle of non-prosecution of victims of trafficking or slavery.
It has delivered training on the steps to be taken, where there is a reason to believe
that a suspect or defendant in a criminal case might be a victim. In those circumstances,
the prosecutor will consider what further evidence or information might be required
and will review whether the prosecution should proceed or not. The guidance sets out
that where there is sufficient evidence that the accused is a victim and the conditions
provided for in section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 are met, the case should
not be charged or proceeded with.</p>
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