A magistrates' court is a lower court where, in several jurisdictions, all criminal proceedings start. Some civil matters may also be dealt with here, such as family proceedings.
A magistrates' court is a lower court where, in several jurisdictions, all criminal proceedings start. Some civil matters may also be dealt with here, such as family proceedings.
The Crown Court is the criminal court of first instance in England and Wales responsible for hearing all indictable offences, some either way offences and appeals of the decisions of magistrates' courts. It is one of three Senior Courts of England and Wales.
The Crown Court sits in around 92 locations in England and Wales, divided into Circuits. When sitting in the City of London, it is known as the Central Criminal Court or "Old Bailey".