Inferior Judges Model Answer

• There are many different levels of judges but their basic function is the same and that is to apply the law in a fair and unbiased way and make decisions in respect of disputes. The Head of the judiciary is the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Sue Carr.
• The judiciary is divided into superior and inferior judges. Inferior judges are those judges who sit in the lower courts; County Court, Magistrates Court and Crown Court so comprise of Circuit judges, Recorders and District Judges.
• Circuit Judges can sit in both the Crown Court with a jury hearing some triable-either way matters and all indictable matters where they advise on the law and decide on the sentence if the jury convict and find the defendant guilty. They can also hear appeals from the Magistrates’ Court. In the County Court, Circuit judges sit alone where they decide liability and award an appropriate remedy if liable.
• Recorders are part-time judges who are appointed for a period of 5 years. When presiding alone in the County Court they will hear all civil cases and have a dual role; deciding liability and awarding an appropriate remedy if the defendant is found liable. When sitting in the Crown Court, they will hear some triable-either-way matters and all indictable matters. They will be accompanied by a jury and will advise them on the law, passing sentence if the jury convict the defendant. They can also hear appeals from the Magistrates’ Court.
• District Judges sit in the County Court and hear all civil cases, deciding liability and awarding an appropriate remedy if found liable. Alternatively, there are also District Judges who sit in Magistrates courts in big cities and towns. They sit on their own and hear summary matters as well as some triable-either-way offences. They decide the verdict as to whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty and pass sentence if the defendant is convicted.