Criminal Courts*

Question 1

In which Courts are Summary Offences tried in?

Answer 1

Summary offences are the lowest severity offences,hey are only tried in the Magistrate’s Court.

Question 2

Give examples of some Summary offences.

Answer 2

Examples of Summary Offences are: assault and affray (fighting in public that disturbs peace).

Question 3

In which Courts are ‘Triable Either Way’ offences tried?

Answer 3

‘Triable Either Way offences are tried int he Magstrates’ Court and the Crown court; depending on severity.

Question 4

Give examples of Triable either way offences.

Answer 4

Examples of triable Either way offences include: Actual bodily Harm (ABH) and theft.

Question 5

In which Courts are ‘Indictable Offences’ tried?

Answer 5

Indictable offences are tried in the Crown Court only, as they are the most serious offences.

Question 6

Give examples of ‘Indictable offences’.

Answer 6

Examples of Indictable Offences include: Murder, rape and Grievious Bodily Harm (GBH).

Question 7

What is the sentencing jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court?

Answer 7

Jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court inculdes:

• 6 Months Custodial sentence (1 offences)
• 12 Months Custodial sentence (2 offences)
• Unlimited Fines
• 300 hours max. community orders

Question 8

What is the sentencing jurisdiction of the Crown Court?

Answer 8

Sentencing jurisdiction of the Crown Court includes:

• Judge has unlimited sentencing powers, although the severity of the offence and logistics of the sentence must be considered
• Jury of 12 people is used if the defendant pleads not guilty. (Clause 38 Magna Carta 1215 - “Trial by your peers”).