1. Topic 7
The courts system: criminal courts
Criminal courts

2. Classifications of crime
Topic 7
The courts system: criminal courts
Classifications of crime
There are three types of criminal offence:
summary offences
triable-either-way offences
indictable offences

3. Summary offences Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
Summary offences are the least serious, ‘petty’ crimes, e.g. assault. They are triable summarily at the Magistrates’ Court.

4. Triable-either-way offences
Topic 7
The courts system: criminal courts
Triable-either-way offences
Triable-either-way offences, such as theft, may be tried at the Magistrates’ Court or at the Crown Court, depending on the circumstances of the case.

5. Indictable offences Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
Indictable offences, e.g. murder, must be tried at the Crown Court. They are the most serious offences.

6. Pre-trial procedure Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts bail
mode of trial
committal

7. Bail Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
When a person charged with a criminal offence attends the Magistrates’ Court for the first time, the issue of bail is considered.
If the magistrates allow the defendant out on bail, it means that the person can go home until the date of his or her next hearing.
If the magistrates think it would be better to keep the defendant in prison until his or her next hearing, they will remand the defendant in custody.

8. Bail (2) Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
Every defendant has the right to bail, with the exception of someone who commits an either-way or indictable offence while on bail.
This rule is governed by s.4 of the Bail Act 1976.

9. Criminal courts Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
Magistrates’ Court
Crown Court
Court of Appeal
House of Lords

10. Magistrates’ Court Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
All criminal cases start in the Magistrates’ Court.
These courts deal with preliminary matters such as bail applications and legal aid. They have the power to try all summary offences and may try either-way offences if the defendant chooses to have the case heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
The magistrates have the power to sentence a defendant up to 12 months in prison.

11. Crown Court Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
The Crown Court tries indictable offences and either-way offences if the defendant has requested that his or her trial be held at the Crown Court.
If the defendant pleads guilty, the judge alone will pass sentence.
If the defendant pleads not guilty, a jury will try the case, and if found guilty, a judge will impose a sentence.

12. Court of Appeal Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
The prosecution may appeal to the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal if it believes that a defendant has received a lenient sentence, or that he or she was wrongly acquitted, so that the law is changed for the future.
The defence may appeal if it believes the sentence was too harsh (without permission), or against conviction either on a point of law or fact (with permission).

13. House of Lords Topic 7 The courts system: criminal courts
The House of Lords is the highest appeal court in England and Wales. It only hears appeals with leave (permission granted by the Court of Appeal or the House of Lords) on a point of law of general public importance.