Criminal Courts

Question 1

What are summary offences?

Answer 1

Least serious offences such as battery, assault
Triable only in the magistrates

Question 2

What is a triable either way offence?

Answer 2

Middle range offences such as ABH & theft
Triable in the magistrates or crown court

Question 3

What are indictable offences?

Answer 3

Most serious offences such as murder, wounding, GBH, manslaughter
Triable only in the crown court

Question 4

Outline the jurisdiction of the magistrates court?

Answer 4

• Tries all summary offences
• Issues search and arrest warrants to police
• Grants bail to defendants
• Maximum sentence is 6 months or 12 months where D is changed with two triable either way offences
• No maximum fine

Question 5

Outline the jurisdiction of the crown court in relation to either way offences?

Answer 5

• Tries either way offences where magistrates do not have sufficient sentencing powers to deal with the case or when D chooses crown court trial

Question 6

Outline the jurisdiction of the crown court in relation to indictable offences?

Answer 6

Hears pleas and preparation for trial hearings, trials of indictable cases and bail applications

Question 7

The crown court can hear appeals from the magistrates court against what?

Answer 7

Conviction or sentence