Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Solicitor General, whether the Crown Prosecution Service provides guidance to prosecutors on addressing expert or academic evidence that uses alternative terminology for female genital mutilation in criminal proceedings.

FGM is clearly defined in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 and CPS prosecutors apply that statutory framework alongside the Code for Crown Prosecutors. CPS’s prosecution guidance for FGM recognises that expert medical evidence may assist a jury on technical matters; however, alternative terminology used in academic or professional contexts does not alter the offence definitions or the legal tests. Prosecutors assess any expert evidence for relevance, admissibility and weight, and will ensure the statutory terminology is used in court.