ELS Chap 2 Court System

• What should you be able to explain by the end of this chapter?

  The structure of the civil and criminal court system
• What is one of the learning outcomes of this chapter?

  Ascertain the relevant court jurisdiction in straightforward cases
• What basic steps are involved in civil and criminal cases at first instance?

  Filing a claim, presenting evidence, and receiving a judgment
• Under what circumstances can one appeal in civil and criminal cases?

  When there are errors of law, fact, or procedure in the original trial
• Who are the personnel involved in the court system?

  The judiciary, the legal profession, and juries
• What is the focus of the chapter titled "The modern court system"?

  Types of cases and how legal disputes are resolved
• How many defendants are proceeded against in magistrates’ courts each year?

  Well over a million
• What role do tribunals play in the litigation process?

  They handle many civil cases outside of the traditional court system
• What will be outlined in this chapter regarding the court system?

  The basic structure of the court system and the operation of civil and criminal procedure
• Why do courts operate throughout England and Wales?

  To ensure justice can be administered locally and accessibly
• Who is responsible for the organization and operation of the courts in England and Wales?

  The Ministry of Justice
• What significant change occurred in October 2009 regarding the House of Lords?

  The judicial functions were taken over by the Supreme Court
• What did the Crime and Courts Act 2013 establish regarding the County Court?

  It established a single County Court and referred to court houses as hearing centres
• How can the courts be classified?

  As superior and inferior courts, criminal and civil courts, and trial and appellate courts
• What distinguishes superior courts from inferior courts?

  Superior courts have unlimited jurisdiction, while inferior courts have limited jurisdiction
• What are the principal objectives of criminal courts?

  To decide guilt or innocence and to punish the wrongdoer
• What is the function of trial courts?

  To hear cases at first instance and make rulings on issues of fact and law
• What is the purpose of the appeals process?

  To correct errors of fact, law, or procedure and assist in the development of the law
• What is the most inferior exclusively civil court?

  The County Court
• What is the dual role of the High Court?

  It serves as both a trial court and an appellate court
• What are the civil courts of first instance?

  The County Court, the Family Court, and the High Court
• How many claims are issued each year in County Courts?

  About two million claims
• What is the threshold for personal injury claims to be started in the High Court?

  £50,000 or more
• What is the purpose of the Family Court as established by the Crime and Courts Act 2013?

  To provide a more open and comprehensible forum for settling family disputes
• Where is the Family Court located?

  It is a national court with centres in each Designated Family Judge area
• Who are the judges of the Family Court?

  There are 25 categories of judges and magistrates
• What is the role of the Ministry of Justice in the court system?

  It is responsible for the organization and smooth operation of the courts.
• What was the purpose of the Supreme Court of Judicature Acts 1873 and 1875?

  To replace the separate court systems of equity and common law.
• What was the significance of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005?

  It established a complete separation between the UK’s senior judges and the Upper House of Parliament.
• What changes occurred to the titles of the Court of Appeal, High Court, and Crown Court in October 2009?

  They were collectively renamed the ‘Senior Courts of England and Wales’.
• What is the concept of 'gatekeeping' in the Family Court?

  It determines the appropriate seniority of judge and location of proceedings.
• What types of cases does the Family Court handle?

  Family disputes including protection of children, divorce petitions, and adoption.
• What is the significance of the Family Court's location and operation?

  It operates nationally with centres in each Designated Family Judge area.
• How many categories of judges and magistrates are there in the Family Court?

  25 categories
• What is an appellate court?

  An appellate court is a court to which a decision of a court of first instance is appealed.
• Which courts are classified as appellate courts?

  The High Court, the Family Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court are all appellate courts.
• Where is the Family Court located?

  The Family Court is a national court.
• How many Family Court centres are there in each Designated Family Judge area?

  There is at least one Family Court centre in each Designated Family Judge area.
• How many categories of judges and magistrates are there in the Family Court?

  The list of judges in the Family Court extends to 25 categories.
• How many County Court hearing centres are there in the country?

  Currently, there are 188 County Court hearing centres located all over the country.