Standing Committee on Prosecutors in Difficulty

Standing Committee on Prosecutors in Difficulty

Article 8.2 of the IAP Constitution requires the Executive Committee to assist members in accordance with the objects of the Association. The Standing Committee on Prosecutors in Difficulty (SCPID), established by a resolution of the General Meeting, has a vital role to play in safeguarding the interests of prosecutors. The SCPID is guided by the Protocol on The Conduct of Cases of Prosecutors in Difficulty which sets out clear procedures to ensure that when requested, prosecutors receive the support they need. 

After receiving a request for assistance, the IAP President may refer the matter to the SCPID to investigate, identify workable solutions, and make recommendations as to how the request can be resolved. Having ascertained the facts, the SCPID is guided by recognized prosecutorial principles and by the situation in the jurisdiction concerned. The SCPID is committed to ensuring that the interests of prosecutors are fully protected, and that their concerns are handled in a principled way.     

Strict timeframes exist as time is often of the essence. The SCPID aims to finalize its reports within four weeks of referral although, exceptionally, this may be extended if a fact-finding mission to a particular jurisdiction or other exceptional steps are required. If the President accepts the findings of the SCPID he/she will, within three days, seek the endorsement of the IAP Executive Committee, which, in turn, must respond within one week.

The Protocol for The Conduct of Cases of Prosecutors in Difficulty can be accessed here.