Reason For A Court Hierachy

Question 1

What is jurisdiction, original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction?

Answer 1

Jurisdiction: The power of courts to here case
Original jurisdiction: The power of courts to hear a case for the first time.
Appellate jurisdiction: Power to review a decision of an inferior court.

Question 2

What are the jurisdictions of courts?

Answer 2

Magistrates: original/ all summary and indictable heard summarily.

County: original/ All indictable offences expect very serious ones.
Appellate/ From magistrates on condition or sentence.

Supreme Court trial: original/ most serious indictable
Appellate/ from magistrates court on point of law.

Supreme Court of appeals: Appellate only/ appeals from the Supreme Court or county court.

Question 3

What is court specialization?

Answer 3

Courts develop their own area of expertise:

• Magistrates: minor offenses
• Court of appeal: sentencing principles
• Supreme Court: indictable offenses.