Презентация на тему: The English Legal system
The English Legal system
Branches of the legal system Criminal courtsCivil courts
Criminal courts Magistrates courtYouth courtCrown courtCases in criminal courts are brought by the Crown Prosecution Service
Civil courts County courtHigh courtCases in civil courts are brought by private citizens (or companies) referred to as claimants
Appeal courts Citizens may appeal against decisions of lower courts to higher courts in certain circumstances. From Crown or County Court to Court of Appeal (either criminal or civil)From Court of Appeal to UK Supreme CourtIn certain circumstances from Supreme Court to European Court of Justice
Legal Personnel Two types of lawyersSolicitors – represent clients in lower courts and undertake general legal work eg drawing up contracts and wills. Solicitors also ‘instruct’ barristers.Barristers – Represent clients in higher courts and are usually experts in a field of law
Court personnelMagistrates courts Lay magistrates – Judge cases in magistrates courts usually groups of three on the “bench”. Unpaid and members of local community rather than trained lawyersStipendiary magistrates – (District judges) Professional lawyers who are paid to sit as full-time magistratesClerk to the court – The clerk has legal training and can assist the magistrates with advice on points of law
Court personnelCrown court Judge Presides over trial Ensures fair conduct and gives rulings on points of lawSums up evidence at end of trial and may direct the jury eg as to possible verdicts and points of lawPasses sentenceMost judges are former barristers
Court personnel Crown court JuriesConsist of 12 people aged 18-70Drawn from electoral registers in local communityCertain occupations are exempt but the number of these have been reduced in recent yearsThe jury decides on the guilt of the accused based on evidence presented and following guidance from the judge about the law
Court personnel Civil courts Civil courts are always presided over by a judgeIn a few civil cases juries are used eg defamation cases but judges usually sit alone (or in threes in higher courts).
