Private criminal prosecutions allow anyone to bring a suspected criminal to court in England and Wales. Although these prosecutions can provide justice, they are susceptible to misuse. For example, the Post Office's 918 successful prosecutions highlight commercial interests overriding human cost. Increased prosecutions reflect a two-tier justice system exacerbated by funding cuts. That trend is evident in minor cases, such as a woman receiving a criminal record for a £1.60 ticket error. While challenging, private prosecutions also serve victims of fraud who may not find justice through traditional means.
Private criminal prosecutions allow individuals, companies, or charities to seek justice, but can also lead to abuse, as shown by the Post Office's 918 successful prosecutions.
In 2023, a woman received a criminal record for mistakenly using her railcard to save £1.60, reflecting the harsh realities of private prosecutions.
Funding cuts to the criminal justice system have led to a rise in private prosecutions, creating a two-tier justice system in England and Wales.
Despite the potential for abuse, private prosecutions have played a crucial role in securing justice, as illustrated by the Lawrence family's case against the murder suspects.
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