Criminal Courts Flashcards
How many Magistrates Courts are there?
240
What percentage of Criminal Cases are heard by Magistrates Courts
97%
Who hears cases in a Magistrates Court?
A bench of 2 or 3 Lay Magistrates
What cases do only the Magistrates Court hear?
Summary Offences
What is the Jurisdiction of Magistrates Court limited to?
6 months imprisonments
£5000 fines
What is the role of the Magistrates Court in Triable Either Way cases?
Determine where they should be tried in a mode of trial hearing based on how the defendants plead. TEW offences can be tried summarily in the magistrates court based on a defendants election
What Pre-Trial Matters are dealt w in The Magistrates Court?
All preliminary work including Early Administrative Hearings- applications for bail+legal aid, warrants for arrests + other necessary reports ordered
What does The Bail Act 1976 allow?
Magistrates to refuse bails due to belief that offender will reoffend it interfere w witnesses
What offences do Crown Court hear?
Severe indictable offences + reliable either way offences sent after Magistrates jurisdiction was exceeded
Who hears cases in Crown Court?
A judge + jury of 12 people
Judge acts as a master of law
Jury acts as masters of fact when reaching verdict.
What Appeals are sent to Crown Court?
From Magistrates on basis of convictions and/or sentences to which they can dismiss, vary or change
