When does the suspect become the defendant?
Once they have been charged
To what standard must the prosecution prove the defendant committed an offence?
Beyond a reasonable doubt
What is the least serious type of offence?
Summary only
In which court are summary only offences tried?
Magistrates’ Court
What is the maximum sentence for
- one summary only offence
- two or more summary only offences
What is the most serious type of offence?
Indictable only
In which court are indictable only offences tried?
Crown Court
Where are either way offences tried?
Magistrates’ or Crown Court
What 2 elements determine which court tries an either way offence?
What type of offences?
- Theft
- Criminal damage
- Burglary
Either way
What type of offences?
- Assault
- Battery
Summary only
What type of offences?
- Robbery
- Rape
- Murder
Indictable only
Who presides over the Magistrates’ Courts?
District judge or a panel of magistrates
How many laypeople in a panel of magistrates?
2-3
In which court do all criminal cases start?
Magistrates’ Court
Who decides all matters in the Crown Court?
Jury
When might a defendant who has committed a summary only offence attend the Crown Court?
Which act sets out rights of suspects detained by police?
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
When a detained suspect requests free legal advice, who do the police contact?
Defence Solicitors Call Centre (DSCC)
When is delaying a suspect’s access to legal advice permitted?
How long can a Superintendent (or above) delay a suspect’s access to legal advice?
36 hours
When is delaying a suspect’s right to inform someone of their arrest permitted?
How long can an Inspector (or above) delay a suspect’s right to inform someone of their arrest?
36 hours
What is the maximum time a suspect can be kept in custody without being charged?
From which time?
24 hours from entering the police station