jurisdiction Flashcards
What does jurisdiction mean?
The powers of the courts
How many Magistrates’ Courts are there in England and Wales?
330
What is the maximum prison sentence that the Magistrates’ Court can give?
6 months per offence, can charge a maximum of 2 offences
Aside from prison, what else can magistrates impose?
Fines, community orders, discharges
Magistrates hear approximately how many cases per year?
1.5 million - 94% of all criminal cases
Which types of cases do magistrates hear?
Summary and triable-either-way cases in which the magistrates have accepted jurisdiction and the defendant has chosen to go to their court
What other matters do magistrates deal with?
Issuing police warrants, deciding bail applications
Can magistrates hear cases for 10 - 17yo offenders in the Youth Court?
Yes, if they receive special training
How many Crown Courts are there in England and Wales?
90
How many cases does the Crown Court deal with each year?
80,000
The Crown Court hears which cases?
Cases that have been rejected by the Magistrates Court, cases where the defendant has chosen the Crown Court, cases where there has been an appeal from the Magistrates Court
Who decides the sentence in the Crown Court?
Judge if the defendant pleads guilty, jury if they do not plead guilty
