Types of legal professions

If you are prosecuted for a crime in Britain, you may meet

the following people during your process through the courts:

Magistrates are unpaid judges, usually chosen from

well-respected people in the local community. They are

guided on points of law by an official, the clerk. There are

magistrates' courts in most towns.

After the accused person has been arrested, the first person

he or she needs to see is a solicitor. The solicitor may

represent the accused in court. A person who is too poor

to afford a solicitor will usually get Legal Aid – financial

help from the state.

In more serious cases it is usual for the solicitor to hire

a barrister to defend the accused. The barrister is trained

in the law.тThe barrister for the defence will be confronted

by his or her opposite number, the prosecuting barrister

who represents the state.

A jury consists of twelve men and women from the local

community. They sit in the Crown Court, with a judge, and

listen to witnesses for the defence and prosecution before

deciding whether the accused is guilty or innocent.

Judges are trained lawyers, nearly always ex-barristers,

who sit in the Crown Court (and appeal courts). The judge

rules on points of law, and makes sure that the trial is conducted

properly. He or she does not decide on the accused – that is

the jury’s job. However, if the jury find the accused guilty,

then the judge will pass sentence.

Coroners have medical or legal training (or both) and inquire

into violent or unnatural deaths. Clerks look after administrative

and legal matters in the courtroom.

Judiciary

There are two courts of trial and two courts of appeal for

criminal proceedings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The courts of trial are the Magistrates, Court and the Crown

Court, and the courts of appeal are the Court of Appeal and

the House of Lords.

The most common type of law court in England and Wales

is the Magistrates' Court. The Magistrates' Court is the lower

court of trial. It deals with summary offences. More serious

criminal cases (indictable offences) then go to the Crown Court.

Civil cases are dealt with in County courts.

Magistrates' Courts have limited powers of penalty. Juvenile

Courts are composed of specially trained magistrates. They try

most charges against children and young persons under the age

of 18 years.

The Crown Court. The Crown Court is the senior court of trial

for criminal offences. The courts are established at various centres

throughout the country. The courts are presided over by either a

High Court Judge, Circuit Judge or Recorder who sits with a

jury. The Crown Court for the City of London is the Central

Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey.

The Crown Court may also hear appeals against conviction

and/or sentence for some offences dealt with at the Magistrates' Court.

The Court of Appeal hears appeals from criminal cases heard in

the Crown Courts.

The House of Lords. The House of Lords is the most senior and

criminal court of appeal.

Civil proceedings consist of litigation about property, family matters

and actions to obtain financial redress for damage to property and

personal injury. The courts of trial for such litigation are the County

Court and the High Court of Justice.