What is a magistrate court used for?

What is a magistrate court used for?

A magistrates’ court normally handles cases known as ‘summary offences’, for example: most motoring offences. minor criminal damage. common assault (not causing significant injury)

What are the two types of magistrates?

There are two types of magistrates – the lay magistrate (not legally qualified) and what is now termed the district judge (until recently known as the stipendiary magistrate), who is legally qualified (as a barrister or solicitor).

Is there a judge in a magistrates court?

In the magistrates’ court, cases are usually heard by a bench of three (or occasionally two) justices of the peace, or by a district judge (magistrates’ court). Criminal cases are usually, although not exclusively, investigated by the police and then prosecuted at the court by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Do you have to attend a magistrates court?

You need not attend if the Court has advised you that it is not necessary or if you’ve received documents enabling you to plead guilty in your absence. If you are summoned for certain minor offences, you may if you wish, plead guilty and have the case dealt with in your absence.

Do all criminal cases start in magistrates court?

Magistrates’ courts All criminal cases start in a magistrates’ court. Cases are heard by either: two or three magistrates. a district judge.

What happens at magistrates first hearing?

The first hearing will decide whether the severity of the offence(s) requires your case to be redirected to the Crown Court. Such offences are called ‘indictable only’ (such as murder and manslaughter) and can only be heard at the Crown Court.

What cases go to magistrates?

Magistrates deal with three kinds of cases:

• Summary offences. These are less serious cases, such as motoring offences and minor assaults, where the defendant is not entitled to trial by jury.
• Either-way offences.
• Indictable-only offences.

How should I dress for magistrates court?

There is no formal dress code for defendants attending Court, and you should wear appropriate and comfortable clothing.

What happens if you go to a magistrates court?

After you have pleaded guilty the Prosecutor will tell the magistrates the facts of the case. You will then be asked if they are correct and you may then add anything that you may think is relevant. If you plead not guilty the case will normally be adjourned to a new date for witnesses to be called to give evidence.

How do you speak to a judge in magistrates court?

Call them ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ in court, or ‘Your Worship’.