Chapter 2: How the different criminal and civil courts work Flashcards
What does the legal system distinguish between?
The legal system distinguishes between:
- Civil law
- Criminal law
How are criminal cases brought?
Criminal cases are brought on behalf of the state against the citizen for breaking the law of the land
What do civil cases relate to?
Civil cases relate to disputes between:
1. Individuals
Or,
2. Organisations
In a civil court, what do the vast majority of cases not involve?
In a civil case, the vast majority of cases do not involve a jury
In a civil case, the vast majority of cases do not involve a jury.
What are the main exceptions?
- Libel
- Slander
trials are the main exceptions
What are most civil cases dealt with by?
Most civil cases are dealt with by County Courts
Most civil cases are dealt with by County Courts, including small claims cases (up to £5000).
If the civil case is more serious, it will be what?
If the civil case is more serious, it will be forwarded to the High Court
What do Civil courts deal with?
Civil courts deal with:
- Personal injury claims
- Breaches of contract
- Other matters that arise between individuals, or companies
Where is the trial held, in a criminal law case?
In a criminal law case, the trial is held in:
1. A Magistrates’ Courts for minor matters
Or,
2. The Crown Court for more serious offences
Who brings criminal cases?
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) brings criminal cases
The claimant in a civil case
The claimant in a civil case is the person seeking damages
In a civil case, what must the claimant do?
In a civil case, the claimant must provide proof
In a civil case, the claimant must provide proof and the judge decides the outcome ‘on the basis of probability.’
If the judge decides that the claim is genuine, they will do what?
If the judge decides that the claim is genuine, they will make an award in the claimant’s favour
In a criminal case, the charges must be proved beyond reasonable doubt, which means that the court must be what to return a guilty verdict?
In a criminal case, the charges must be proved beyond reasonable doubt, which means that the court must be absolutely sure of the guilt of the accused to be able to return a guilty verdict
Criminal law
Criminal law is the type of law where individuals:
- Are charged by the state with an offence
- If found guilty are punished by the state
Civil law
Civil law is the type of law that deals with disputes between individuals where damages are awarded
The court structure in England and Wales:
Magistrates’ Court
(England and Wales)
The Magistrates’ Court in England and Wales is the trial for:
- Most criminal offences
- Some civil matters
The court structure in England and Wales:
County Court
(England and Wales)
The County Court in:
1. England
2. Wales
is the trial for most civil cases
The court structure in England and Wales:
Family court
(England and Wales)
The Family court in:
1. England
2. Wales
is the trial for most family cases
The court structure in England and Wales:
The Crown Court
(England and Wales)
The Crown Court in England and Wales is the jury trial for:
1. All indictable
2. Some either-way
criminal offences