Legal personnel- role of a judge in criminal cases- Paper 1

Question 1

Role of recorders and circuit judges- crown court

Answer 1

• Decide on points of law
• Ensure correct procedure is followed
• Advise the jury
• Pass sentence on serious triable either way and indictable offences
• Handle appeals from the magistrates court

Question 2

Role of a district judge- magistrates court

Answer 2

• Hear evidence
• Decide the verdict and sentence for summary and triable either way offences
• Sits in the place of 3 magistrates

Question 3

Role of high court judges- crown court

Answer 3

Decide on points of law
- Ensure correct procedure is followed
- Advise the jury
- Pass sentence on serious triable either way and indictable offences
- Handle appeals from the magistrates court
- Handle serious indictable offences

Question 4

Role of lord justices of appeal- court of appeal

Answer 4

• Hear appeals from the crown court
• Listen to legal arguments and deciding if the decisions should stand

Question 5

Justices of the supreme court- supreme court

Answer 5

• Hear appeals from the CoA by listening to legal arguments relating to matters of public opinion
• Decide if the CoA decisions should stand