Block 1: Introduction to criminal law and the courts

Question 1

Name the TWO different types of Courts that try & sentence defendants in England & Wales.

Answer 1

The magistrates’ and the Crown Courts

Question 2

Are most criminal cases tried by a jury?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

Is the gavel (small wooden hammer) used in the courts of England and Wales?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

Does Lady Justice always wear a blindfold?

Answer 4

No

Question 5

Does a magistrate’s Court have a Jury?

Answer 5

No

Question 6

Does a Crown Court have a jury?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

How many people make up a Jury in England & Wales?

Answer 7

12

Question 8

Must a Jury be unanimous in their decision?

Answer 8

No

Question 9

What is number of Jurors required for a ‘Majority’ verdict in England & Wales?

Answer 9

10

Question 10

What is the name for the special part of the magistrates’ court where young people under 18 have their cases heard?

Answer 10

The youth court

Question 11

What courts deal with the early stages of criminal cases, and with the trial and sentencing of less serious offences?

Answer 11

The magistrates’ courts

Question 12

Where are the most serious cases heard that involve young people (e.g. murder and manslaughter cases).

Answer 12

The Crown Court

Question 13

In what court do ALL criminal cases start?

Answer 13

The magistrates’ court

Question 14

Which court makes the first decisions about the defendant: for example, whether to release them on bail or keep them in prison to await trial.

Answer 14

The magistrates’ court

Question 15

TRUE or FALSE Less serious cases (e.g. traffic offences, low-value shoplifting) are dealt with ENTIRELY by magistrates’ courts.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

TRUE or FALSE More serious cases (e.g. robbery, murder) are sent from a magistrates’ court to the Crown Court, where juries sit.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

Are magistrates legally qualified?

Answer 17

No

Question 18

TRUE or FALSE magistrates’ are lay people who have no legal qualifications and are often referred to as ‘lay magistrates’.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

TRUE or FALSE District Judges are lay people (not legally qualified) and are often referred to as ‘lay District Judges’.

Answer 19

False

Question 20

Are District Judges always required to be legally qualified lawyers?

Answer 20

Yes

Question 21

True or False - Fewer than 10 per cent of criminal cases are sent to the Crown Court. Most cases are dealt with by magistrates’ courts alone.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

Agree or disagree - all cases begin in a magistrates’ court and most remain there.

Answer 22

Agree

Question 23

Does the study of Law require different reading techniques from those used in everyday life?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

True or False: Academic and legal reading are specialist skills which will be used and developed throughout studying Law?

Answer 24

True

Question 25

Is reflection an important part of learning?

Answer 25

Yes

Question 26

What is one recommended 3-step approach to help make reading more effective?

Answer 26

Step 1. Know why you are reading! (Look at learning outcome and questions related to the reading).
Step 2. Scan the material (a quick scan/read)
Step 3. Read more thoroughly (paying particular attention to WHY you are reading).

Question 27

True or False: You will test your reading skills in the first iCMA. Careful reading of the questions, and of the information in the units, will help you to select the correct answers.

Answer 27

True

Question 28

True or False: Barristers typically specialise in courtroom advocacy or drafting specialist documents. Usually, they are introduced to their client by a solicitor.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

True or False: Solicitors have direct contact with clients. They do most legal work, including preparing cases, speaking to witnesses, advising clients, and often speaking in court, but can also instruct a barrister for advocacy or specialist advice.

Answer 29

True