Description of the legal term Crown Court:
The Crown Court is a key part of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. It deals with serious criminal cases and is a higher court than the Magistrates’ Court. Cases heard in the Crown Court include serious offences such as murder, rape, robbery and serious fraud. The court has the power to impose harsher sentences than the Magistrates’ Court, including life imprisonment.
The Crown Court also hears appeals against decisions made in the Magistrates’ Courts, as well as cases referred for a higher sentence. Crown Court trials are presided over by a judge and, in most cases, involve a jury, which is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the accused on the basis of the evidence presented.
Legal context in which the term Crown Court may be used:
Serious crime trial
An individual, John, is charged with armed robbery, a serious offence involving the use of a weapon. This case is outside the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court and is therefore tried in the Crown Court. At trial, a jury hears evidence from both the prosecution and the defence. The judge oversees the legal aspects of the trial and ensures that the rules of evidence and procedure are followed. After considering the evidence, the jury reaches a verdict. If John is found guilty, the judge will determine the appropriate sentence based on the seriousness of the offence and other relevant factors.
Appeal against the magistrates’ court decision
Sarah is convicted of a criminal offence at the Magistrates’ Court and believes that the decision was unjust because of a misinterpretation of the evidence. She decides to appeal. Her appeal is heard in the Crown Court, where a judge re-examines the case, including the evidence and the application of the law. The Crown Court has the power to uphold, quash or vary the original decision of the Magistrates’ Court.
