All criminal cases start in a magistrates’ court.
Cases are heard by either 2 or 3 magistrates and a district judge
There isn’t a jury in a magistrates’ court.
A magistrates’ court normally handles cases known as ‘summary offences’, eg: most motoring offences minor criminal damage being drunk and disorderly
It can also deal with some of the more serious offences, eg: burglary drugs offences
These are called ‘either way’ offences and can be heard either in a magistrates’ court or a Crown Court
2. Crown Courts
A Crown Court deals with serious criminal cases, eg: murder rape robbery It also deals with: appeals against a magistrates’ court conviction or sentence cases passed from a magistrates’ court for trial or sentencing …show more content…
Your solicitor can explain what exactly happens in the court. The judge and court staff will also give instructions about the trial.
3. Tribunals
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of the criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales and non-devolved tribunals in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It works independent judiciary to provide a fair, efficient and effective justice system.
4. County Court
County Courts deal with civil (non-criminal) matters.
Unlike criminal cases – in which the state prosecutes an individual – civil court cases arise where an individual or a business believes their rights have been infringed.
Types of civil case dealt with in the County Courts include:
Businesses trying to recover money they are owed;
Individuals seeking compensation for injuries;
Landowners seeking orders that will prevent trespass.
The vast majority of civil cases take place in the County Courts.
5. High Court
The High Court has three divisions, which hear different types of