The independence of the office of the director of public prosecutions in Tanzania

This study analyses the law and the practice relating to the independence of the Director of Public Prosecutions (hereinafter to be referred as the DPP) in Tanzania. It examines the law governing the establishment of the DPP’s Office in Tanzania Mainland and provides a critical appraisal of adequacy in conferring independence to it. This study establishes that notwithstanding the establishment of the DPP within the Constitution, the administrative structure and laws have not been adequately reformed so as to confer independence to the DPP. This study is divided into five chapters. The first chapter covers as an introduction to the study. The second chapter traces the origin of prosecution in Tanzania and its connection with the existence of the DPP. Chapter three reviews the law relating to the establishment of the DPP and notes that it is the Constitution that creates some loopholes/avenues through which the independence of the DPP is interfered. The chapter also examines the usefulness of the National Prosecutions Services Act, 2008 in protecting the DPP. Chapter four makes a critical analysis of the administrative structure. It is argued that the administrative structure contributes to lack of independence to the DPP. Chapter five provides for the summary, conclusions and recommendations.