criminal courts and appeals

• What are the names of the criminal courts?

  High Court, Court of Appeal, Crown Court
• Which courts are considered 'domestic'?

  Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court
• How can courts be categorized as 'of first instance' or 'appellate'?

  First instance courts hear cases initially, appellate courts review decisions
• Which courts are classified as criminal?

  Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court
• What is the maximum sentence for summary offences?

  6 months imprisonment and/or unlimited fine
• What is the burden of proof in criminal cases?

  Beyond reasonable doubt
• What does Woolmington's Golden Thread refer to?

  The prosecution's duty to prove guilt
• What type of offences are summary offences?

  Least serious offences
• What is the process for triable either way offences?

  They can be tried in either Magistrates’ or Crown Court
• What are indictable offences?

  Most serious offences
• What happens during the early administrative hearing?

  It is purely administrative and allows for legal aid applications
• What is the significance of the plea and trial preparation hearings?

  They identify key issues before the trial
• What is the role of the mode of trial hearing?

  To decide if the case is suitable for Magistrates’ or Crown Court
• What is the average cost of a magistrates' court trial?

  £1,700
• What is the conviction rate in magistrates' courts for 2019/20?

  68%
• What is the role of the King’s Bench Division in appeals?

  To hear appeals on points of law
• What is required for an appeal to the Supreme Court?

  Point of law of general public importance
• What happens if a defendant pleads guilty in the Crown Court?

  They are sentenced in the Crown Court
• What are the categories of criminal offences?

  • Summary Offences
  • Triable Either Way Offences
  • Indictable Offences
• What are the stages of the criminal process for summary offences?

  1. Early Administrative Hearing
  2. Trial/Sentence
  3. Possible adjournments for various reasons
• What are the stages of the criminal process for indictable offences?

  1. Early Administrative Hearing
  2. Plea and Trial Preparation Hearings
  3. Trial/Sentence in Crown Court
• What are the stages of the criminal process for triable either way offences?

  1. Early Administrative Hearing
  2. Plea Before Venue
  3. Mode of Trial Hearing
  4. Trial/Sentence
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of trial by Magistrates vs. trial by Jury?

  Advantages of trial by Magistrates:

  • Lower cost
  • Quicker process

  
  

  Disadvantages of trial by Magistrates:

  • Limited sentencing powers
  • Less formal

  
  

  Advantages of trial by Jury:

  • Trial by peers
  • More thorough deliberation

  
  

  Disadvantages of trial by Jury:

  • Higher cost
  • Longer process
• What is the significance of plea bargaining in criminal law?

  • Negotiations between prosecution and defence
  • Can lead to reduced sentences
  • Not allowed in all cases
• What are the implications of bad character evidence in trials?

  • Can influence jury perception
  • Arguments for and against its admissibility
• What are some notable cases related to miscarriages of justice?

  • Birmingham 6
  • Victor Nealon
  • Barry George
  • Timothy Evans
  • Derek Bentley
  • Stephen Downing
  • Sally Clarke
• What is the role of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 regarding disclosure?

  • Defence must disclose evidence to prosecution
  • Prosecution must disclose evidence undermining their case
• What is the role of the Court of Appeal in criminal appeals?

  • Reviews convictions and sentences
  • Can quash or vary decisions
• What is the process for appealing from the Crown Court to the Court of Appeal?

  • Defence can appeal conviction/sentence
  • Must file notice of appeal within specified time
• What is the process for appealing from the Magistrates' Court to the Crown Court?

  • Case reheard by a judge and two magistrates
  • Automatic right to appeal within 21 days
• What is the process for appealing from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court?

  • Requires permission
  • Must involve a point of law of general public importance
• What is the significance of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2005?

  • Introduced plea and trial preparation hearings
  • Aimed to streamline the trial process
• What is the role of the Attorney-General in criminal cases?

  • Can demand cases be heard in Crown Court
  • Involved in serious criminal prosecutions
• What is the role of the Solicitor-General in criminal cases?

  • Assists the Attorney-General
  • Involved in legal advice and prosecutions
• What are the two types of courts mentioned?

  First instance and appellate courts
• Which court is known as the highest court?

  Supreme Court
• What is the role of the High Court/Divisional Court?

  To hear appeals from lower courts
• What is the significance of Woolmington’s Golden Thread?

  Prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt
• What type of law does criminal law fall under?

  Public law
• What are the two types of criminal offences?

  Statutory and common law offences