Chapter 5 · Government & Law
The Court System
Source: Handbook p.122
The UK judiciary is independent from the government.
England and Wales courts:
• Magistrates' Court — minor criminal cases
• Crown Court — serious criminal cases (judge + jury)
• County Court — civil cases
• High Court — complex civil cases and appeals
• Court of Appeal — appeals from lower courts
• Supreme Court — highest court, established 2009
Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own court systems.
Legal aid is available for those who cannot afford legal representation.
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