criminal courts Flashcards
1
Q
criminal courts
A
magistrates > crown court > court of appeal > supreme court
2
Q
appeals from magistrates court
A
- defence only against a conviction or a sentence
- heard by a judge & 2 magistrates
- confirm or vary convinction
3
Q
composition of the bench
A
- 58% women
- 13% ethnic minorities
- 4% disabled
- two are specially trained and go to youth court
- they’re assisted by legal advisors
4
Q
juries
A
‘deciders of fact’
12 members
unanimous decision/ majority verdict
5
Q
disqualifications
A
sentenced to life
extended sentence
imprisoned for 5+ years
6
Q
barristers
A
- pass bar professional training course
- pupils - on the job training
18 month wait
7
Q
appeals from crown court
A
- criminal appeals act 1995
‘shall allow an appeal against a conviction that is unsafe and shall dismiss such appeal in any other case’
8
Q
becoming a lay magistrate
A
- fill out application
- selected by local advisers committee
- they check skills
- lord chief justice will select them
9
Q
aims of sentencing
financial
A
- pay upfront or monthly
- compensation
- thrift, injury, loss
10
Q
types of sentencing
community orders
A
-83% more effective than short sentences
-damage, theft, assault
-punishment
11
Q
types of sentencing
custodial sentencing
A
- serious sentences
- reoffending is lower for non custodial
12
Q
types of sentencing
discharges
A
- less serious offences
- conditional discharge
- released from court but given a criminal record
13
Q
aims of sentencing
denunciation
A
- name and shame
14
Q
types of sentencing
probation
A
- 6 months to 3 years
- regular visits from probation officer
- regular drug tests
15
Q
aims of sentencing
incapacitation
A
- life behind bars
- protecting society
- mental institution
- house arrest
