Magistrates and Crown Courts

Most minor criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are dealt with in Magistrates' Courts (Justice of the Peace Courts in Scotland). Magistrates are usually unpaid members of the local community without legal qualifications, supported by a legal adviser. Serious offences are tried in Crown Courts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in front of a judge and jury. In Scotland, serious cases go to Sheriff Courts (sheriff or sheriff with jury), with the most serious at the High Court.