Criminal Courts and Lay People

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key terms and definitions related to the legal system and criminal law.

Jurisdiction

The right and power to interpret and apply the law.

Summary Offences

Minor criminal offences tried in full by magistrates, such as minor driving offences, assault, battery, and criminal damage under £5,000.

Indictable Offences

Serious criminal offences like murder, robbery, and GBH; these cases go to the Crown Court after a preliminary hearing.

Either-Way Offences

Crimes that can be tried in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court based on severity.

Retribution

The aim of punishment based on the idea that the defendant deserves punishment.

Denunciation

Society's expression of disapproval of criminal activity, reinforcing moral boundaries.

Incapacitation

The aim of sentencing that makes offenders incapable of committing further crimes.

Deterrence

The aim of reducing crime by discouraging potential offenders through fear of punishment.

Rehabilitation

The process aimed at reforming offenders to reintegrate them into society.

Reparation

The aim of compensating victims of crimes or society as a whole.

Magistrates' Court

A court where less serious cases are heard, operated primarily by magistrates.

Crown Court

Court that hears serious criminal cases with a judge and a jury.

Committal Proceedings

Preliminary hearings in magistrates' court for serious offences to determine if a case should proceed to Crown Court.

Plea Before Venue

A procedure for defendants to plead guilty or not guilty to an either-way offence before the court determines where the trial will take place.

Bail

Temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, often under specified conditions.

Conviction Rate

The percentage of defendants found guilty in a court.

Deferral

Postponement of jury service for specific reasons such as illness or prior engagements.

Strong Verdict

A decision reached by a jury that reflects a high level of certainty about the guilt or innocence of the defendant.

Managing Capacity of Jurors

Assessing and ensuring the juror pool is fit and competent to serve during trials.