Appeals Flashcards
When may the slip rule be used by magistrates?
Where there has been a mistake in law or procedure whether at trial or sentencing that needs corrected
What power do magistrates have under the slip rule?
They can vary a sentence or set aside a conviction when it is in the interests of justice to do so
Can parties use the slip rule to revisit the case on the basis that the magistrates’ decision was wrong?
No - that is for appeal
Who can apply for the magistrates to correct a mistake by the slip rule?
- the defendant but
- the magistrates can use the rule on their own volition
When will the magistrates likely set aside a finding of guilty under the slip rule?
- the legal adviser provided the magistrates with incorrect legal advice
- D did not attend trial with no explanation at the time but subsequently prevent proof that it was due to medical emergency
What are the three ways of challenging a magistrates’ court decision by appeal?
- appeal to the Crown Court by way of re-hearing
- appeal to the High Court by way of case stated
- application to the High Court for judicial review of the decision
How should it be decided what appeal route from the magistrates court is appropriate?
- where D complains that the magistrates made an error of fact or mixed fact and law, D should appeal to the Crown Court
- where D complains that the magistrates made an error of law or acted in excess of their jurisdiction, D should appeal by way of case stated
- where D alleges unfairness, bias or procedural irregularity then D should apply for judicial review of the decision
Must permission be granted for appeal from the magistrates’ court to the Crown Court?
No - it is an automatic right
What can D appeal to the Crown Court against?
- if D pleaded guilty then against sentence
- if D pleaded not guilty and was found guilty after a trial, then against conviction or sentence
Can the prosecution appeal for rehearing at the Crown court?
No
Why might D not want to appeal by way of rehearing to Crown court?
As the Crown court can pass any sentence the magistrates’ court could have passed, including one more severe than the original sentence
If D pleas guilty, can they still appeal to the Crown court from the magistrates for rehearing?
No unless D can demonstrate their plea was unequivocal
How long do the defence have for lodging notice of appeal by way of re-hearing to the Crown court?
They have 15 business days from sentence, irrespective of whether appeal is against conviction or sentence
Who must notice of appeal from magistrates court by defence be served upon?
- the magistrates’ court and
- the prosecution
What must notice of appeal from magistrates court by defence specify?
- the conviction, sentence, order or decision which the appellant wishes to appeal, including court and date of this
- summarise the issue
- state whether the magistrates’ court has been asked to reconsider its decision or why this is not applicable
- list the parties on whom the appeal notice has been served
What happens if notice of appeal from magistrates court by defence is served outside the 15 business days limit?
Must be accompanied by an application for an extension of time with reasons for delay
What happens at an appeal from magistrates court to the Crown court by way of re-hearing?
Appeal will proceed in precisely the same way as original trial
Parties can call additional evidence not used at trial
In essence hearing proceeds as if it were the original sentence hearing
Who hears an appeal from magistrates court to the Crown court by way of re-hearing?
Normally by Judge of Crown court and two lay magistrates
Exceptionally, just one lay justice if hearing would otherwise be unreasonably delayed
Is there a right to bail pending appeal?
No
What is the process for appealing bail?
Can appeal to magistrates court and if refused can appeal to crown court
When will the appeal be treated as abandoned?
When the appellant fails to attend court and is not represented
What is required to abandon appeal to crown court by way of rehearing?
If hearing has started, permission from crown court
If hearing has not started, appellant should give notice of abandonment to magistrates’ court, crown court and the prosecution
What powers does the Crown Court have on appeal from the magistrates?
- can confirm, reverse or vary decision appealed against or any part of it
- can remit the matter with its opinion to the magistrates
- can make any other order which the court think is just so long as they exercise only the power the magistrates could have
What is an appeal by way of case stated?
Appeal from the magistrates court to High Court on basis that the decision made was wrong in law or in excess of jurisdiction
The final case stated will be agreed by all the parties
When will appeal by case stated not be appropriate?
Where a matter of fact is disputed between the parties
Where is appeal by way of case stated heard and by whom?
The Divisional Court of the King’s Bench of the High Court and by at least two, usually three judges
Is any evidence heard for appeal by case stated?
No - just submissions by the parties
Who can appeal by way of case stated?
Either prosecution or defence