Criminal courts and Lay people

Question 1

To which court does D have the possibility of appealing against a sentence imposed by the Crown court?

Answer 1

Court of Appeal (criminal division)

Question 2

Which one of the following aims of sentences involves getting his or her ‘just deserts’?

Answer 2

Retribution

Question 3

In which case did the jury use an unreliable means of reaching a verdict?

Answer 3

R v Young

Question 4

Which statute allows the court of appeal to quash a conviction if it is unsafe?

Answer 4

Criminal Appeal Act 1995

Question 5

Explain how it is decided which court an either way offence offence will be heard if D doesn’t plead guilty?

Answer 5

• Magistrates work out most appropriate court to allocate the case for a trial
• Hear arguments from prosecution and defence, together with any relevant previous convictions
• Usually heard in Magistrates court unless the courts sentencing powers are insufficient
• If it isn’t suitable in Magistrates it will be allocated to the Crown court for trial
• If magistrates are prepared to hear the case, D is given a choice of trial court. An indication of the likely sentence will be given to help him or her to decide.