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Courts in England and Wales

Study note

In England and Wales, the type of court used depends on how serious the case is. Minor criminal cases are heard by magistrates, who are also called Justices of the Peace, sitting in a magistrates' court. Magistrates are usually local volunteers without legal qualifications who deal with less serious matters. More serious criminal cases go to the Crown Court, where a judge and a jury of 12 decide the outcome.

Civil cases follow a different path. Most civil disputes, such as problems over debts and contracts, are dealt with in the County Court, and more serious civil cases can go to the High Court. Above all of these, the Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in the UK. For the test, remember that magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace, handle minor crime, the Crown Court handles serious crime with a judge and jury, the County Court handles most civil disputes, and the Supreme Court is the highest court.

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

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Question 1 of 5

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

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Courts in England and Wales: questions, answers and explanations

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

    • Magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace
    • Members of Parliament
    • The Supreme Court
    • High Court judges

    Correct answer: Magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace

    Minor criminal cases in England and Wales are heard by magistrates, also called Justices of the Peace.

  2. 2. Which court in England and Wales deals with most civil disputes such as debts and contract problems?

    • The County Court
    • The Crown Court
    • The Youth Court
    • The magistrates' court

    Correct answer: The County Court

    Civil disputes in England and Wales are mostly dealt with in the County Court.

  3. 3. What is the highest court of appeal in the UK?

    • The Crown Court
    • The County Court
    • The Supreme Court
    • The High Court

    Correct answer: The Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in the UK.

  4. 4. Another name for the magistrates who hear minor criminal cases is:

    • Chief Constables
    • Sheriffs
    • Lords Justices
    • Justices of the Peace

    Correct answer: Justices of the Peace

    Magistrates in England and Wales are also known as Justices of the Peace.

  5. 5. In England and Wales, serious criminal cases are heard in the Crown Court before a judge and a jury.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Serious criminal cases go to the Crown Court, where a judge and jury decide.

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