Criminal
An adversarial system with jury trial for serious offences
Offences are summary, either-way or indictable. Magistrates try summary matters; the Crown Court tries indictable cases before a judge and jury. The CPS conducts prosecutions on the police's evidence.
Key rules
- Indictable offences are tried in the Crown Court before a jury of twelve.
- The prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
- Police detention without charge is generally limited to 24 hours, extendable on authority.
Governing law
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
- Criminal Justice Act 2003
Penalties and consequences
- Fines, community orders and imprisonment set by sentencing guidelines
In practice
Sentencing Council guidelines structure most sentences, and an early guilty plea attracts up to a one-third reduction.