Theme C: Criminal courts Flashcards
(18 cards)
What are the two types of criminal courts?
Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts.
Where do criminal cases start?
Criminal cases start in the Magistrates’ Court.
What types of cases are heard in Magistrates’ Courts?
Less serious types of cases, known as summary offences, such as minor motoring offences, criminal damage, and minor assaults.
What types of cases are heard in Crown Courts?
More serious types of cases, known as indictable offences, such as murder, rape, and robbery.
What is required for cases heard in Crown Courts?
A trial by judge and jury.
What are ‘either way’ offences?
‘Either way’ offences can be heard in a Magistrates’ Court or a Crown Court, and defendants have a right to ask for trial by a jury.
What types of cases do High Court judges try?
High Court judges try very serious cases, such as murder and rape.
What types of cases do Circuit judges and Recorders try?
Circuit judges and Recorders try less serious cases such as theft, referred from the Magistrates’ Court.
How many magistrates hear each case in the Magistrates’ Court?
Three magistrates hear each case, usually volunteers from all walks of life.
What is the role of a legal adviser in the Magistrates’ Court?
A legal adviser is on hand to provide guidance on points of law.
What is the maximum sentence magistrates can pass?
Magistrates can pass sentences of up to six months in prison and set unlimited fines.
Where are appeals from the Magistrates’ Court heard?
Appeals from the Magistrates’ Court are heard in the Crown Court.
Who presides over cases in the Crown Court?
A judge presides over cases in the Crown Court.
What is the role of the jury in the Crown Court?
A jury of 12 citizens hears evidence, discusses the case, and decides if the defendant is guilty or not.
What does the judge do after the jury finds a defendant guilty?
The judge advises the jury on the law and sets the sentence for the guilty person.
Where may appeals from the Crown Court be heard?
Appeals from the Crown Court may be heard in the High Court and may go on to higher courts.
Give an example of a case heard in a Magistrates’ Court.
An example of a case heard in a Magistrates’ Court is theft.
Give an example of a case heard in a Crown Court.
An example of a case heard in a Crown Court is murder.
