Principle

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — Police Duty — Discretion in Investigation — Whether Ministerial Duty

Area of law
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Court
Supreme Court

Police investigation is discretionary, not ministerial. The police may decide whether to investigate based on various factors: nature of offence, available resources, time, trouble, and public interest. Discretion is implied unless a statute expressly excludes it. The principle recognises practical constraints on police resources. The…

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