⚖️The UK Court System

How criminal and civil cases move through the courts.

1. The judiciary

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   Judges, together called the judiciary, interpret the law and ensure trials are conducted fairly. The government cannot interfere with this.

2. Criminal vs civil law

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   Criminal law deals with offences and crimes, while civil law settles disputes between people or organisations, such as over contracts, property or accidents.

   and the law splits into

3. Minor criminal cases

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   In England, Wales and Northern Ireland most minor criminal cases are dealt with in a Magistrates' Court; in Scotland they go to a Justice of the Peace Court.

   for minor crimes

4. Serious criminal cases

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   Serious offences are tried before a judge and jury in a Crown Court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in a Sheriff Court or High Court in Scotland.

   for serious crimes

5. The jury

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   A jury is made up of members of the public chosen at random from the electoral register. It has 12 members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 15 in Scotland.

   where the verdict comes from

6. Civil courts

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   County Courts deal with civil disputes such as debts, personal injury and divorce. Minor disputes can use the informal small claims procedure.