The UK court system

What is the role of the courts?

courts interpret and apply laws, set precedents and develop law though judicial decisions

What are Precedents?

decisions made in the higher courts that become binding on lower courts in future cases

What does setting precedents ensure?

consistency and predictability in the law

What is the Magistrates court for?

Trials for most criminal offences

What is the Crown court for?

jury trial for some criminal offences and appeals against convictions and sentences from the magistrate court

What is High court for?

handles complex civil cases, judicial reviews, and some criminal matters.

What divisions in the Court of Appeal split into?

civil and criminal

What is the Civil division for?

Handling appeals from the High court and other tribunals In civil cases

What is the Criminal division for?

Reviewing convictions and sentences from the crown court

What are Tribunals?

specialised bodies that resolves disputes in specific areas of the law such as employment, immigration and tax