Crown Court [Criminal]

Question 1

What is the role of the judge?

Answer 1

• Decides the sentencing
• Makes all decisions on a point of law
• Will give directions about what witnesses should attend the trial, and make sure the evidence is ready for the trial
• Sum the case up in the end
• Explain laws and case to the jury
• Sends jury out to consider their verdict

Question 2

What is the role of the Jury?

Answer 2

• 12 people
• Decide if the defendant is guilty or not
• Look at the, and also hear the evidence
• The jury will then leave and make a decision
• All 12 of them have to agree, and after a few hours it can be a 10-2 majority verdict

Question 3

Can there be a trial without a jury?

Answer 3

Only when there is a effort to tamper with the juries decision {R V TWOMEY 2009}

Question 4

What type of sentence can a judge give?

Answer 4

• Will hear about past convictions, background, and financial situations (may make the sentence worse/better)
• Prison
• Community Order
• Fines
• Discharge

Question 5

What is the appeal route from the Crown Court?

Answer 5

• To the Court of Appeal (Criminal Div.)

- From the CoA to the Supreme Court (on point of law)