In accordance with the need to ensure public prosecutions in Newfoundland and Labrador are transparent, the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, announced today the policies and procedures manual for Crown attorneys is now available on the Department of Justice website.

The Guide Book of Policies and Procedures for the Conduct of Criminal Prosecutions in Newfoundland and Labrador is a fundamental document for the justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador. The guide book makes available to the entire province the consolidated policies and practices of the Public Prosecutions Office.

"Transparency and accountability are crucial in public prosecutions and allowing public access to this guide book on the Internet is a significant step forward," said Minister Marshall. "The lessons of the Lamer Inquiry are still fresh in our minds and the Public Prosecutions Service must be commended for its efforts to make the office, and thus public prosecutions, more accountable to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The late Chief Justice Antonio Lamer recommended a comprehensive review and revision of all the policies related to criminal prosecutions. Commissioner Lamer also recommended specific topics to be incorporated into the guide book which has been done. The document is now available for everyone to review.

"Providing the public with access and the right to know how and why prosecutors make decisions is an important objective," said Minister Marshall. "The Attorney General is ultimately responsible for the actions of Crown attorneys and the tools used in their decision-making processes should be accessible. I encourage not only the legal community to review this document, but also the general public as it is fundamentally important to our justice system."

The Guide Book of Policies and Procedures for the Conduct of Criminal Prosecutions in Newfoundland and Labrador is available at:

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