The Judicary Flashcards
What is the judicary
The collective name for judges
What is the main role of the judicary
To make decisions in respect of disputes
How must the judicary come to its decisions
In an unbiased, fair way
What are the two types of judges?
Superior Judges
Inferior Judges
Superior Judges
Senior Judges
What courts do Superior Judges sit in?
Supreme Court
Court of Appeal
High Court
What courts do Inferior Judges sit in?
Crown Court
Magistrates Court
County Court
Role of Justices of the Supreme Court
They hear appeals on points of law in civil and criminal cases
Final appeal court
Any decision becomes precedent
How do Justices of the Supreme Court sit in panels?
In an uneven panel
Usually in a panel of 5
Role of the Judges of the Court of Appeal
Only hear appeals
Decisions on points of law become precedent which lower courts must follow
How do Judges of the Court of Appeal sit in panels?
Usually in a panel of 3
In which Courts of Appeal do Judges of the Court of Appeal sit in?
Criminal and Civil divisions of Court of Appeal
Role of High Court Judges in the High Court
Make a decision as to which side won the case
Decide on what the law is
Decide how much should be given to the winning claimant
In which courts do Circuit Judges sit in?
Crown Court
County Court
What do Circuit Judges do in Crown Court?
They hear criminal trials and direct the jury on points of law
Decide the sentence if D is found guilty
What do Circuit Judges do in County Court?
Hear civil cases
Decide the law and facts before making the verdict of how won the case
In which courts do Recorder Judges sit in?
Crown Court
County Court
What do Recorder Judges do in Crown Court?
Hear criminal trials
Decide the law and sentence if D is guilty
What do Recorder Judges do in County Court?
Hear civil cases
Decide the law and facts
Decide who won the case before awarding damages
In which courts do District Judges sit in?
Magistrates Court
County Court
What do District Judges do in County Court?
Hear small claims cases up to £10,000
What do District Judges do in Magistrates Court?
Try criminal cases alone
Decide law and facts
Decide sentence if D is guilty
Role of Judges in Criminal Cases
Decide the verdict
Free D if the verdict is not guilty
Determine the facts
Decide points of law
Role of Judges in Civil Cases
Determine the law
Listen to witnesses and evaluate their credibility
Try a case to decide which party wins
