2. Court Structure

Question 1

What are the monetary limits for the small claims track?

Answer 1

Personal injury: £1,000
PI from road traffic accident: £5,000
Other: £10,000

Question 2

What are the monetary limits for the fast track?

Answer 2

Personal injury: £10,000
Other: £25,000

Question 3

What are the two criteria, either of which can be satisfied, for a case to be assigned to the multi-track?

Answer 3

1. Over £25,000 or
2. Too complex for fast track (even if under £25k)

Question 4

What are the monetary limits for when a multi-track case may also be started in the High Court, in addition to the County Court?

Answer 4

Personal injury: £50,000
Other: £100,000

Question 5

What is the maximum sentence for a single offence in the Magistrates’ Court?

Answer 5

6 months

Question 6

What is the maximum sentence for a multiple offences in the Magistrates’ Court?

Answer 6

12 months

Question 7

In what courts do solicitors have an automatic right of audience?

Answer 7

Lower courts, i.e. Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Family Court

Question 8

How is the right of audience to the higher courts, i.e. Crown Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, gained?

Answer 8

Completing additional advocacy assessments and applying for higher rights of audience