Criminal Courts

Question 1

How many classifications is there for a criminal offence?

Answer 1

3: summary, TEW, indictable

Question 2

Explain a summary offence?

Answer 2

Least serious offences
An offence that can only be tried in the magistrates court 
Nearly all driving offences
Common assault 
Criminal damage less than £5000
Shoplifting less than £200

Question 3

Explain triable-either-way offences?

Answer 3

Middle range of crimes
Tried in magistrates or crown court depending on if D pleads guilty or NG (G= magistrates, NG= D has the right to ask for a jury trial at the crown court)
If a case is too serious magistrates can ask to send decision to crown court
Theft
ABH

Question 4

Explain indictable offences?

Answer 4

Tried at the crown court by a judge and a jury
First preliminary hearing will be at the magistrates but the case is then transferred to crown court
Murder
Manslaughter
Rape

Question 5

The first hearing of all criminal cases takes place where?

Answer 5

Magistrates court