Conditional cautioning provides an opportunity to achieve an early positive response to low-level offending behaviour for those persons willing to admit their offending and to comply with certain conditions.

This Code of Practice for Conditional Cautions is issued by the Secretary of State for Justice under section 25 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. It has been approved by Parliament and brought into force by statutory instrument and extends to England and Wales. This second edition replaces any earlier versions.

Key content:

• Guidance to Prosecutors
• The Requirement of the Act
• Deciding whether a conditional caution should be given
• Types of conditions
• Selection of appropriate conditions
• Monitoring and compliance