Jurisdiction of the Crown Courts Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the Crown Court?
A higher criminal court that deals with serious offences and handles appeals from the Magistrates’ court.
What types of criminal offences are tried at the Crown Court?
Indictable offences
Either-way offences
What is the role of the jury in the Crown Court?
The jury decides the verdict based on the evidence presented
What is the role of the judge in the Crown Court?
Manages the trial
Advises the jury on the law
Passes sentence if the defendant is found guilty
Can the Crown Court hear appeals?
Yes, it hears appeals against conviction or sentence from the Magistrates’ Court
What is a committal for sentence?
Where a Magistrates’ Court convicts a defendant but believes it sentencing powers are insufficient, it can commit the case to the Crown Court for sentencing
What are the sentencing powers of the Crown Court?
It has unlimited sentencing powers, including life imprisonment
What happens to either-way offences in the Crown Court?
If the defendant elects trial by jury, or if magistrates refuse jurisdiction, the case is sent to the Crown Court for trial.
Who presides over trials in the Crown Court?
A circuit judge or a high court judge, depending on the seriousness of the case
What is the Crown Court’s role in appeals from the Magistrates’ Court?
It can confirm, reverse, or vary the magistrates’ decision and may increase or decrease a sentence
