Criminal Courts

• Magistrates Jurisdiction:


  ·         All criminal cases start in the magistrates’ court.

  ·         All summary offences and some TEW are tried here.

  ·         Mode of trial – decide where TEW offences are heard.

  ·         They also deal with the first hearing of indictable offences such as murder, then transfer them to the Crown Court for trial.

  ·         Youth Court – 10-17yrs

  ·         Listen to the evidence and decide whether the def. is guilty or not guilty.
• Sentencing Powers:


  ·         Max. 6 mths imprisonment for one offence summary offence.

  ·         Max. 12months for a TEW offence

  ·         And/or £5,000 fine (more in drink driving cases).
• Other matters:


  ·         Decide whether the def. is given bail.

  ·         Decide whether the def. is entitled to legal aid.
• Crown Court:


  ·         Some TEW offences, such as S20 GBH, are tried here.

  ·         All indictable offences such as robbery, are tried here.

  ·         Plea and Case Management hearings to make preparations for trial.

  ·         Hear criminal appeals from the magistrates.

  ·         Cases decided by a jury of 12 ordinary people.

  Sentencing Powers:

  ·         Can sentence up to the maximum for the offence.

  Other matters:

  Decide whether the def. is given bail.