The Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) Scheme, established by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales, is a pivotal mechanism designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.
Launched in June 2013 it gives effect to the principles set out in the case of Killick (R v Christopher Killick EXCA 1608 [2011]).
The scheme allows victims of crime to request a review of certain CPS decisions not to prosecute or to discontinue a case.
This article explores the purpose, scope, eligibility, process, and significance of the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme, as outlined on the CPS website.
Purpose of the VRR Scheme
The Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) Scheme was introduced to enhance public confidence in the CPS by providing victims with a clear and accessible way to challenge decisions they believe are incorrect. It reflects the CPS’s commitment to fairness, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and that decisions not to proceed with a case are thoroughly scrutinized. The scheme aligns with the broader principles of the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime emphasising victims’ rights to fair treatment and justice.
Scope of the Scheme
The VRR Scheme applies to specific CPS decisions, including:
- Decisions not to bring charges after a police investigation.
- Decisions to discontinue or withdraw criminal proceedings in court.
- Decisions where no evidence is offered, leading to the case being dropped.
However, the scheme does not cover:
- Cases where the CPS advises the police against charging due to insufficient evidence early in the investigation.
- Decisions to accept a guilty plea to a lesser charge or fewer offenses.
- Cases involving only minor offenses, such as summary-only offenses (unless they involve domestic abuse or hate crimes).
- Cases where the victim has died or cannot be identified.
Who Can Request a Review?
The VRR Scheme is primarily designed for victims, as defined under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime. Eligible victims include:
- Individuals directly affected by the crime.
- Close relatives of a deceased victim.
- Parents or guardians of victims under 18.
- Businesses or charities, in certain circumstances, if they are victims of the crime.
In some cases, a representative, such as a family member or advocate, may request a review on behalf of the victim, provided they have the victim’s consent or act in their best interests.
The Review Process
The VRR process is structured to be straightforward and transparent, with two main stages:
- Local Resolution: The first step involves a review by a prosecutor independent of the original decision-maker, typically from the same CPS area. This stage aims to resolve concerns quickly, often within 20 working days. The reviewing prosecutor examines whether the original decision was correct based on the evidence and the CPS’s legal tests, which include:
- The evidential test: Is there a realistic prospect of conviction?
- The public interest test: Is prosecution in the public interest?
- Independent Review: If the victim remains dissatisfied with the local resolution outcome, they can request an independent review by the CPS Appeals and Review Unit or another senior prosecutor from a different CPS area. This stage ensures an impartial reassessment of the case.
Victims are informed of the outcome in writing, with clear explanations of the decision. If the review finds the original decision was wrong, the CPS may resume proceedings, provided it is legally possible (e.g., within time limits for certain offenses or before a trial concludes).
How to Request a Review
Victims can request a review by contacting the CPS directly, typically within three months of the original decision. The CPS provides multiple channels for submitting a request, including:
- Online: Via the CPS website or email.
- In Writing: By sending a letter to the relevant CPS office.
- Through the Police: Victims can ask the police to liaise with the CPS on their behalf.
The CPS encourages victims to provide specific reasons for their request, such as perceived errors in the decision-making process, to help focus the review.
Significance of the VRR Scheme
The VRR Scheme plays a critical role in promoting accountability within the CPS. By allowing victims to challenge decisions, it ensures that prosecutorial errors or oversights can be corrected, potentially leading to justice being served. The scheme also empowers victims, giving them a voice in a system where they may otherwise feel marginalized. Since its inception, thousands of victims have used the VRR Scheme, with a small but significant number of cases resulting in overturned decisions and resumed prosecutions.
Moreover, the scheme contributes to continuous improvement within the CPS. Reviews often highlight areas for training or policy refinement, ensuring that future decisions are more robust and victim-centered.
Challenges and Considerations
While the VRR Scheme is a vital tool, it has limitations. Not all decisions can be reviewed, and the scheme cannot guarantee that a case will proceed to prosecution. Victims may also find the process emotionally challenging, particularly if the outcome remains unchanged. The CPS acknowledges these challenges and strives to communicate outcomes sensitively, offering support resources where appropriate.
Conclusion
The Victims’ Right to Review Scheme is a cornerstone of the CPS’s commitment to victim-centered justice. By providing a clear, accessible, and transparent process for challenging prosecutorial decisions, the scheme ensures that victims have a meaningful opportunity to seek accountability. While it is not a guarantee of prosecution, it reinforces trust in the criminal justice system and underscores the importance of victims’ rights. For those seeking to learn more or initiate a review, the CPS website article Victims’ Right to Review Scheme offers comprehensive guidance and resources to navigate the process.
By empowering victims and fostering accountability, the VRR Scheme continues to uphold the principles of fairness and justice in England and Wales.
Check out our articles on the Crown Prosecution Service, Justice System, Open Justice, Rule of Law, R v Sussex Justices, Litigants in Person, McKenzie Friend, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, Can you Email a Judge ?, Can you Criticise a Judge ? and the highly dubious Sussex Family Justice Board.
The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession or any law enforcement agencies.
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Victims’ Right to Review – Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was last updated on the 19th June 2025
