🚔 Criminal Courts

The court systems in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have some differences.

Magistrates’ and Justice of the Peace Courts
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, minor criminal cases are handled in Magistrates' courts, while in Scotland, they go to Justice of the Peace Courts. Magistrates and Justices of the Peace are community members who usually serve without pay and without legal qualifications. They receive training and support from legal advisors. Magistrates determine the verdict and, if the defendant is found guilty, impose the sentence. In Northern Ireland, cases are presided over by legally qualified District Judges or Deputy Judges.

Crown Courts and Sheriff Courts
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, serious offenses are tried in Crown Courts before a judge and jury, while in Scotland, they are heard in Sheriff Courts with either a sheriff or a sheriff with a jury. The most severe offenses in Scotland, like murder, are tried in High Courts with a judge and jury.

A jury is composed of randomly selected members of the public from the local electoral register. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a jury consists of 12 members, while in Scotland, it comprises 15 members. Everyone summoned for jury service must participate unless ineligible or with a valid reason for exemption, such as ill health.

The jury listens to the evidence presented during the trial and then decides on a verdict of Guilty or Not Guilty based on the information presented. In Scotland, a third verdict of Not Proven is also possible. If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the judge determines the penalty.

Youth Courts
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, if a person aged 10-17 is accused of a crime, the case is typically heard in a Youth Court in front of up to three specially trained magistrates or a District Judge. The most serious cases may be sent to the Crown Court.

The parents or carers of the young person are expected to attend the hearing. Youth Courts are closed to the public, and the name or photographs of the accused young person cannot be published in newspapers or used by the media.

In Scotland, the Children’s Hearings System is used to address offenses committed by children and young people, while Northern Ireland employs a youth conferencing system to determine the appropriate response when a child commits an offense.