The Criminal Trial Process

Question 1

In which court are indictable offences tried?

Answer 1

The Crown court and the High Court

Question 2

What is meant by an adversarial system?

Answer 2

Each opposing side is responsible for putting their own case before a neutral judge

Question 3

Are television cameras allowed in court?

Answer 3

Only selected hearings of the Court of Appeal

Question 4

Which national organisation has responsibility for bringing prosecutions?

Answer 4

The Crown Prosecution Service

Question 5

If you are attacked in London, can you personally bring a criminal prosecution against your aggressor in the magistrate’s court, or can only the Crown Prosecution Service do this?

Answer 5

The right to bring private prosecutions is preserved by section 6(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act (POA) 1985.

Question 6

Who is the head of the Crown Prosecution service?

Answer 6

The director of public prosecutions (DPP)

Question 7

What is plea bargaining?

Answer 7

Negotiation between the prosecution and defence lawyers over the outcome of a case

Question 8

What changes do you think should be made to the criminal justice system?

Answer 8

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