V. Read and memorize the following words and word combinations:

Offence – правопорушення, prosecution – обвинувачення, судове переслідування, punishment – покарання, justice of the Peace – мировий суддя, minor crime – незначний злочин, imprisonment – ув’язнення, to appeal – подавати апеляцію, to convict – обвинувачувати.

The judicial system in great britain

I. Read and translate the text.

The court system in Britain is divided between civil and criminal cases, though many courts hear both types of cases. Criminal law defines offences against the state and regulates their prosecution and punishment. Civil law is connected with relations between pri­vate parties.

In criminal cases, there are two main types of courts: magistrates' courts (or courts of first instance), which deal with about 95 per cent of criminal cases, and Crown Courts for more serious offences. In civil cases, magistrates' courts deal with certain minor ques­tions, while more important matters are dealt with in the County Courts.

There are about 700 magistrates’ courts in the country, served by approximately 28 000 unpaid magistrates or justices of the Peace (JPs). JPs are ordinary citizens chosen from the commu­nity, who often have no legal qualifications, although they are ad­vised on points of law by a legally qualified clerk. They may not impose a sentence of more than six-month imprisonment or a fine of more than 2 000 pounds, and may refer cases requiring a heavier penalty to the Crown Court (in criminal cases) or the County Court (in civil cases).

A Crown Court (or a High Court) is presided over by a judge, but the verdict is reached by a jury of twelve citizens, randomly selected from the local electoral rolls. The judge must make sure that the trial is properly conducted. Underlying the whole process lies the assumption that a person charged with an offence is pre­sumed to be innocent until the prosecution can prove guilt “beyond all reasonable doubt”.

A person convicted in a magistrates' court may appeal against its decision to the Crown Court (the County Court). The highest court in the land is the House of Lords. In practice the Lords are represented by five or more of the Law Lords.

II. Agree or disagree with the statements:

1. The court system in Britain is divided between civil and criminal casesю

2. Civil law defines offences against the state and regulates their prosecution and punishment.

3. Civil law is connected with relations between pri­vate parties.

4. In criminal cases, there is one principal type of courts - magistrates' courts.

5. Important civil cases are dealt with in the County Courts.

6. Justices of the Peace are ordinary citizens chosen from the commu­nity and often have no legal qualifications.

7. A Crown Court is presided over by the Queen.

8. A jury of twelve citizens is selected from the local electoral rolls.

9. Every person charged with an offence is pre­sumed to be innocent until the prosecution can prove guilt.

10. The highest court in the land is the House of Commons.