Can An Individual Prosecute Their Own Case

[neil_loves_marie]

I'm bringing a private prosecution against 5 police officers and have been asked by a judge to do a case summary. I've done this summary and he's happy with the evidence placed that these officers do indeed have questions to answer for the charges I'm bringing.

Now my main question being can I prosecute myself??
These charges have to be committed to crown court due to seriousness of charges.
I know I can self rep as a defendant in the court but can I prosecute the case myself or do I need a barrister to do it.

Thanks in advance

[CrapAtCryptics]

I`d have a solicitor to advise on points of law - if you are polite to the judge he will advise you if you err.

[EDDIE51]

I think only a barrister can do it. You can be the main witness but only a Barrister can represent you at a crown court. I am open to correction on this.

[grasscarp]

They do say he who represents himself in court has a fool for a client.

[EDDIE51]

I was wrong you can represent yourself
http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/media/203109/srl_guide_final_for_online_use.pdf
But you would be very well advised not to try, the Police will get the best Barristers on the case and they are going to run rings around you in court.
If you have a strong case you may be able to get someone to represent you free or on a no win mo fee basis.

[EDDIE51]

I assume this is related to your previous history of 'brushes with the law' on your AB profile?
Sorry, but in those cases you do not seem to have much of a grasp of the basics of law and court procedure.
You really do need expert help or the police barristers will make you look incompetent and foolish.
Do you honestly imagine you single handed can take on some of the most skilled and highly paid Barristers in the world?

[Buenchico]

The majority of private prosecutions never end up in court (while still private prosecutions) anyway.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has the right to take over any such prosecution and that right is often exercised. However it's not uncommon for the CPS to take over a prosecution and then to immediately drop the charges on the basis that there's no reasonable chance of a conviction or because such a prosecution would be potentially 'damaging to the interests of justice' (e.g. if it would reveal information about covert police activities which could make other prosecutions less likely to succeed). If that happens the matter is then closed and no further private prosecution can be brought.

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/p_to_r/private_prosecutions/

[Davemano]

Why weren't such questions asked when you were in 'consultation' with the judge.