The Criminal Justice System

Question 1

What are the 3 types of criminal offences and in which court can they be heard?

Answer 1

1. Summary only - Magistrates
2. Either way - Magistrates or Crown
3. Indictable only - Crown

Question 2

Is there a jury in the Magistrates Court? If not, who is the trier of fact (and law)?

Answer 2

No - there’s either a district judge or a panel of 2-3 lay magistrates

Question 3

What 3 things does the district judge/panel in the Magistrates Court decide on?

Answer 3

1. Issues of fact
2. Issues of law
3. Determines guilt

Question 4

Crown Courts: presided over a judge who decides issues of ___, and a jury who decide issues of ___ and whether D is _____

Answer 4

law, fact, guilty

Question 5

What is the overriding objective of criminal law per the Criminal Procedure Rules?

Answer 5

Criminal cases must be dealt with justly