UK crime victims challenge appeal limits after dropped cases

Campaigners in the UK are advocating for urgent reforms to the Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) scheme, which currently prevents victims from challenging last-minute decisions by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to drop cases. This practice has led to wrongful acquittals in several rape and sexual offence cases, where victims were unable to appeal before the defendants were acquitted. A review of these cases revealed that some CPS decisions were flawed, yet double jeopardy rules prevent retrials once acquittals occur. The CPS has acknowledged that decisions to offer no evidence are rare but emphasized that the VRR exists for victims to contest perceived wrong decisions. However, data indicates a significant increase in the rate of incorrect decisions in rape and sexual offence cases, rising from 6% in 2018-19 to 21% in 2023-24. Victim Support has reported multiple instances where no evidence was offered close to trial, leaving victims feeling that justice is unattainable. In response to the growing concerns, the CPS is reviewing its approach to offering no evidence, although it believes that delaying proceedings for VRRs could unjustifiably prolong cases. Recent changes include requiring higher-level approval for no evidence decisions in rape and sexual offence cases, but victims remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. Advocates argue that victims should have the opportunity to scrutinize decisions before acquittals occur, emphasizing the need for a more just and effective criminal justice system that prioritizes victims' rights and ensures accountability for offenders.