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Courts in England and Wales

Study note

In England and Wales, minor criminal cases are heard by magistrates, also called Justices of the Peace, in a magistrates' court. Serious criminal cases go to the Crown Court, where a judge and a jury of 12 decide the outcome. Most civil disputes are dealt with in the County Court. The High Court hears more serious civil cases, and the Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in the UK.

Memory tip: Minor crime = magistrates; serious crime = Crown Court (judge + jury of 12); civil = County Court.

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In England and Wales, who deals with minor criminal cases?

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