the appeal system

• What is the lowest level court of first instance?

  county courts
• How are small claims heard in the county court?

  They are held in the judge's chamber (not the court) and are heard by a district judge.
• How are fast track heard in the county court?

  They are held in the court and are heard by a district judge.
• How are intermediate tracks heard in the county court?

  They are held in court and are heard by a circuit judge.
• How are multi tracks heard in the county court?

  They are held in court (except where cases are complicated/over £50,000) and heard by a circuity judge.
• How are multi tracks heard in the High Court?

  When the cases involve a complex point of law, are over £50,000, or when the claim involves human rights issues, claims against the police, clinical negligence, child abuse, or asbestos lung disease.