The establishment of the CPS was a major reform of the criminal justice system. It separated the responsibility for the investigation of criminal offenses from the responsibility for prosecution. Prior to the establishment of the CPS, the police controlled the investigation and prosecution of offenses. The creation of the CPS had the support of all political parties. Currently, most cases are handled by Crown Prosecutors at a local level. Specially trained prosecutors review all juvenile cases. The police receive advice from prosecutors before filing charges. Strengths of the system include the independence of the CPS from the police or political influence, the integrated national structure, and accountability to parliament. Weaknesses include the police retention of the the initial decision to charge, the lack of power to direct the police, and the lack of power to direct the police at the investigative stage or to carry out further inquiries. Figures and tables