Introduction

• The verdict is the decision of a case
• The standard of proof is the amount of proof needed to win the case
• An offence is another word for a crime
• A charge is an accusation made by the police against a suspect
• Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) 


  The agency who decide if a charge should be brought
• Bail is where the D is given freedom between their charge and the trial
• Remand: place D on bail or in custody, especially when a trial is adjourned
• Convicted: declared guilty of a criminal offence
• Acquitted: declared not guilty of a criminal offence
• Sentence: the punishment given to D after conviction
• Magistrates 


  3 people who decided the verdict and sentence in the Magistrates court
• Jury 


  12 people who decide the verdict in the crown court
• Judge


  Decides the sentence in the Crown court and advises the jury
• Prosecution


  The peope who have the burden of proof
• Defendant (D)


  The person accused of committing a crime
• Victim (V)


  The person who was allegedly hurt in some way
• Purpose of criminal law

  To protect the public and punish law-breakers
• Person who starts a criminal case

  the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• Criminal courts

  Magistrates, Crown
• Standard of proof 


  Beyond reasonable doubt
• Verdicts in criminal law

  Guilty or not guilty
• Powers of the criminal courts

  fines (money), custodial sentences (prison), community service (ASBO)
• People who decide the verdict in criminal law

  Jury or Magistrates (depending on the court)
• What determines which court the D goes to?

  The severity of the crime