Last month, Salford Business School students were once again given the opportunity to take part in a week of work experience with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Taking place between Monday 27 April and Friday 1 May, 26 undergraduate law students took part in sessions centred on the role of the CPS, careers within criminal law, domestic abuse, knife crime and sentencing.
Throughout the week, students explored how the CPS makes charging decisions, prepares cases for court and supports victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process. Key areas of focus included the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the Full Code Test, the bail process, allocation of venue, and the handling of guilty anticipated pleas.
Students also gained valuable insight into how the CPS prosecutes serious offences including domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and knife crime, alongside developing a broader understanding of sentencing and advocacy within the criminal justice system. Interactive sessions and role play opportunities allowed students to further develop their legal reasoning, critical thinking and advocacy skills while engaging directly with legal professionals.
Louise Hall, Senior Lecturer in Law, commented: “The programme has been running for over six years now and it’s clear how valuable it continues to be for our students. This opportunity is exclusive to Salford and gives students direct access to legal professionals while allowing them to gain early exposure to the realities of criminal prosecution work.
“Many students leave the week with a strengthened interest in careers within criminal law and public prosecution.”
Alongside the work experience week, the CPS continues to engage with students through careers fairs law fairs, criminology conferences, and campus employer events, further strengthening its connection with future legal professionals.