Gareth Minty, Partner at Mishcon de Reya and Chair of the Private Prosecutors' Association, has been featured in an article in The Times discussing government plans for reform of private prosecutions.
Ministers published an eight-week consultation on regulating private prosecutions last week in a bid to set consistent standards and achieve greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of private prosecutions.
Adopting recommendations from MPs on the justice committee in 2020, the consultation invites views on a range of proposals under consideration, including a mandatory code of practice, an inspection regime, a system of accreditation, and consequences and sanctions for those who fail to uphold the required standards.
Explaining that the Private Prosecutors' Association welcomed the consultation, Gareth noted that it “recognises the unique role that [private prosecutors] play in the criminal justice system”. Gareth commented that a code of conduct “helps maintain the integrity of the prosecution process by setting clear standards and expectations for private prosecutors”. It also “ensures that prosecution decisions are based on sufficient evidence and the public interest, rather than personal or financial motivations” — factors he says are “crucial for safeguarding the rights of defendants and upholding public confidence in the justice system”.
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