This document discusses the English criminal justice system. It explains that the system is adversarial, where the prosecution and defense argue their cases against each other. Offenses are classified as summary, indictable, or triable-either-way, with the most serious crimes tried at the Crown Court. The criminal court system includes magistrates courts for less serious crimes and Crown Courts for more serious indictable offenses. Factors like the severity of the crime determine whether a case is heard at the magistrates or Crown Court level.

1. The Criminal Process

2. ObjectivesBy the end of this lesson students should be able to:Explain what is meant by an adversarial system

3. Explain how offences are classified

4. Describe the criminal court systemStarterWhat do you know about these courts:

5. DiscussWhat is meant by the following statement?The English Criminal Justice system can be described as adversarial.

6. DiscussDoes this affect the outcome of the case?Consider Sally Clarke & the Cardiff 3

7. How are offences classified?Summary – e.g. Driving offences, assault. Always tried in the Magistrates CourtIndictable offences – e.g. Murder, manslaughter, rape. Must be tried at the Crown Court (thought they still begin in the magistrates court)Triable-either-way offences – What does this mean?

8. Criminal Court System

9. How are offences classified?Answer the following questions:Summarise the main thrust of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2005What will the magistrates take into account when deciding which court will deal with the case?Explain when a defendant can insist on trial by juryDiscuss why a defendant might wish to elect for trial by jury

10. ActivityIn groups locate a miscarriage of justice. Research the following:What happened?How did they appeal? On what grounds?What was the outcome (if there has been one yet)What is public opinion on this case (look at newspapers online)