2. UK Courts, Legal Representation, Trade Unions

What is an Appeal in the legal system?

An Appeal is a request to a higher court to review or overturn a lower court’s decision. Example: A defendant appeals a sentence at the Court of Appeal.

Who is a Defendant?

A Defendant is a person accused of a crime or civil wrong.

What is a Jury and what do they do?

A Jury is a group of citizens who decide guilt in serious criminal cases.

What is Legal Representation?

Legal Representation is a solicitor or barrister who defends or advises a defendant in court.

What does the Magistrates’ Court handle in England and Wales?

Magistrates’ Court handles minor offences like petty theft or minor assaults.

What does the Crown Court handle and how?

Crown Court handles serious crimes such as robbery

What is the role of the High Court and Court of Appeal?

They hear appeals from lower courts and handle serious criminal or civil cases.

What is the Supreme Court of the UK?

The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal and final decision-maker. Example: Ruled on Boris Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament (2019).

What does the County Court handle?

County Court handles civil disputes such as debt

What are Tribunals and give an example?

Tribunals are specialised courts for employment or welfare disputes. Example: Employment tribunal for unfair dismissal.

What is the appeals process for criminal cases in England and Wales?

Magistrates → Crown → Court of Appeal → Supreme Court.

What is the appeals process for civil cases in England and Wales?

County Court → High Court → Court of Appeal → Supreme Court.

What are Justices of the Peace in Scotland?

Justices of the Peace handle minor crimes; similar to Magistrates’ Court in England.

What is Sheriff and Summary in Scotland?

A single judge decides guilt and can give up to 1-year prison or £10

What is Sheriff and Jury in Scotland?

Cases heard by a sheriff with 15 jurors; can impose up to 5 years prison.

What is the High Court of Justiciary in Scotland?

Deals with serious crimes like murder

What is the Magistrates’ Court in Northern Ireland?

Handles minor crimes with fines or up to 12-month sentences.

What is the Crown Court in Northern Ireland?

Handles serious crimes with a 12-member jury; judge decides sentence.

What is the High Court in Northern Ireland?

Hears serious criminal and civil cases and appeals.

What is the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland?

Reviews trial decisions and can confirm

What is the Supreme Court of the UK?

Final appeal for all regions of the UK. Example: A burglary case could reach the Supreme Court if appealed.

What is the Right to Legal Representation?

Defendants have the right to legal support

What do Solicitors do?

Provide legal advice

What do Barristers do?

Represent clients in higher courts

What do Legal Executives do?

Work under solicitors in specialised areas such as property or family law.

What is a Trade Union?

Organisation of workers in the same trade to protect rights

What is the TUC?

Trade Union Congress is an umbrella organisation representing multiple unions.

What are the roles and impact of Trade Unions?

Protect workers’ health

What is the historical context of Trade Unions?

Prominent in 19th Century; legally protected since early 20th Century; improved working conditions like child labour limits and working hours.

What are the positive and negative effects of Trade Unions?

Positive: improve workers’ rights

How do Trade Unions link to British Values?

Support Rule of Law (legal strikes)

How should students link court systems and legal representation to exam questions?

Link courts to principles of law: justice