Criminal
The Criminal Code with police prosecution and Attorney General oversight
Offences and procedure are both contained in the Criminal Code. Following reform, the Attorney General prosecutes indictable matters while the police continue to prosecute in the Courts of Magistrates, and trial by jury applies to the gravest offences.
Key rules
- The Attorney General prosecutes serious offences; police inspectors prosecute summary matters.
- Trial by jury applies in the Criminal Court for the most serious charges.
- Bail is presumed but may be refused on statutory grounds.
Governing law
- Criminal Code (Cap. 9)
- Attorney General Act (Cap. 638)
Penalties and consequences
- Imprisonment, including life imprisonment for the gravest offences.
- Fines (multa and ammenda), probation and community work.
In practice
The 2019 reforms separated the Attorney General's prosecuting role from the State Advocate's advisory role; check which office is involved.