Structure of the courts

Question 1

Justice of the peace court

Answer 1

• It deals with minor offences such as failure to pay fines and theft
• Cases are dealt by a bench of one or more lay jury justices
• the justice of the peace court can imprison someone for 60 days or give a fine up to £2500

Question 2

The sheriff court

Answer 2

• This court deals with serious and minor offences such as drug possession or serious driving offences
• It can be decided by a jury or sometimes a sheriff alone
• It can give up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to £10,000

Question 3

The high court

Answer 3

• This court deals with the most serious crimes such as murder and rape
• The jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not
• The judge can give life imprisonment and unlimited fines