Criminal Cases

• Magistrates Court

  • District Judges
  • Oversee trial:
  • Hear evidence
  • Decide verdict
  • Pass a sentence
  • Only for summary or TEW offences.
• Crown Court

  • Recorders and Circuit Judges
  • Ensure correct legal procedures are followed
  • Keep barristers in check
  • Advise jury on the law
  • Pass a sentence for indictable offences
  • Hear appeals from the Magistrates court

  High Court Judges (from the KBD) can decide points of law.
• Court of Appeal

  • Lord Justices of Appeal
  • Hear appeals from the Crown court against sentence or conviction
  • Hear appeals from the KBD on points of law
  • Come to a conclusion on whether to allow the appeal or dismiss it after listening to advocacy from appellant.
• Supreme Court

  • Justices of the Supreme Court
  • Hear appeals from Court of Appeal criminal division
  • Listen to legal arguments and decide if the original decision was correct or needs to change.