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Northern Ireland courts and verdicts

Study note

The court system in Northern Ireland is broadly similar to the one in England and Wales. Magistrates deal with minor cases, and serious criminal cases go before a judge and a jury of 12, just as they do across those nations. So if a question contrasts Northern Ireland with England and Wales, the safe answer is that they are broadly alike.

Scotland is the part of the UK that stands out, because its separate legal system has a feature the others do not. In Scotland a jury can return a third verdict of not proven, in addition to the usual guilty and not guilty. This not proven verdict still means the accused is not convicted. For the test, remember that Northern Ireland's courts resemble those in England and Wales, and that the not proven verdict is unique to Scotland.

Memory tip: Northern Ireland is like England and Wales; only Scotland has the 'not proven' verdict.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

In which part of the UK can a jury reach a third verdict of 'not proven'?

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Show all questions and answers for Northern Ireland courts and verdicts(2 questions with explanations)

Northern Ireland courts and verdicts: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In which part of the UK can a jury reach a third verdict of 'not proven'?

    • England
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
    • Scotland

    Correct answer: Scotland

    Scotland allows a third verdict of 'not proven', in addition to 'guilty' and 'not guilty'.

  2. 2. The court system in Northern Ireland is broadly similar to the one in England and Wales.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Northern Ireland's courts are broadly similar to those in England and Wales.

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