England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each operate their own legal systems. The exam expects you to know the basic structure in England and Wales and to recognise the equivalent Scottish institutions.
Criminal courts in England and Wales
Most criminal cases begin in the magistrates' court, which deals with summary offences such as motoring offences, minor theft and common assault. Magistrates are unpaid volunteers from the local community, advised by a legal clerk. They can impose fines of up to £5,000 and prison sentences of up to twelve months.
More serious offences — known as "indictable" offences — are heard in the Crown Court before a judge and a jury of twelve adults. Examples include murder, rape, robbery and serious fraud. The jury decides guilt; the judge decides the sentence.
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Civil courts
Disputes between individuals or businesses about debts, contracts, property and family matters are usually dealt with in county courts. Larger or more complex civil claims go to the High Court. There is no jury in civil cases (with rare exceptions such as defamation).
The Supreme Court
Established in 2009, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the final court of appeal for civil cases throughout the UK and for criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It sits in a former courthouse opposite the Houses of Parliament. Twelve Justices serve on the court, including a President and a Deputy President.
Equivalents in Scotland
Scotland has its own legal system. Less serious crimes are heard in justice of the peace courts or sheriff courts. Serious crimes go to the High Court of Justiciary. Civil cases are heard in sheriff courts or the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Your rights if you are arrested
Anyone arrested has the right to be told the reason for their arrest, to remain silent (although adverse inferences may be drawn), to free legal advice, to have someone informed of their detention and to medical help if they are unwell. These rights are protected by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).
Keep going
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