court system
magistrates court
all criminal cases start in a magistrates court
cases are head by either:
2 or 3 magistrates
a district judge
there is not a jury in a magistrates' court
magistrates' courts pass the most serious crimes to the crown court
for example:
murder
rape
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these are known as indictable offences
magistrates' courts can decide if you should be kept in custody until your next hearing or released on bail.
this may happen if:
another court hearing is needed
the court needs more information before passing the sentence
the case is passed to the crown court for trial or sentencing
bail rules
you may have to follow strict conditions
examples include...
keeping away from certain people
staying indoors
staying away from certain places
wearing a tag
if you do not attend court after being granted bail you can be put in prison
crown court
a crown court deals with serious cases
examples include...
murder
rape
robbery
they also deal with:
cases passed from a magistrates' court for trial or sentencing
appeals against a magistrate's court conviction or sentence
who does what
normally a jury
decides if you're guilty or not
a judge
decides what sentence you get
your solicitor (if you have one)
explains what happens in court
the judge and court staff will also give instructions about the trial
sentences a crown court can give
prison sentences - including life sentences
community services