the english court structure

the english court structure

The English court structure consists of multiple levels, each with

its own jurisdiction and functions. Here is a general overview of the

English court structure:

1. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is the highest court in the

United Kingdom. It hears appeals from lower courts on matters of

law. The Supreme Court typically deals with complex and significant

legal issues.

2. Court of Appeal: The Court of Appeal is the second-highest

court in England and Wales. It is divided into two divisions: the Civil

Division and the Criminal Division. The Court of Appeal hears appeals

from lower courts and occasionally reviews decisions made by

specialized tribunals.

3. High Court: The High Court is the main trial court in England

and Wales. It has both a Civil Division and a Family Division. The High

Court deals with a wide range of legal cases, including civil disputes,

family matters, and administrative law cases.

4. Crown Court: The Crown Court is responsible for handling

serious criminal cases, such as murder, rape, and robbery. It also

hears appeals from the Magistrates' Court. The Crown Court is

presided over by a judge and a jury.

5. Magistrates' Court: Magistrates' Courts are the lowest level of

criminal courts and deal with less serious criminal offenses, such as

traffic violations and minor crimes. Magistrates, who are trained

laypeople, preside over these courts. They may sit alone or as part of

a panel.

6. County Court: The County Court handles civil cases, including

contract disputes, personal injury claims, and landlord-tenant

disputes. It is considered a lower-level court and hears cases

involving lower monetary amounts compared to the High Court.

In addition to these courts, there are also specialized courts and

tribunals that handle specific areas of law, such as Employment

Tribunals, the Family Court, and the Immigration and Asylum

Tribunal. The court structure in England and Wales aims to provide a

clear hierarchy of courts, ensuring access to justice for various legal

matters at different levels of complexity.