A Level Law Practice Exam

Which courts are primarily responsible for hearing criminal trials?

1. Crown Court and Civil Court

2. Magistrates' Court and Crown Court

3. Crown Court and High Court

4. Magistrates' Court and Court of Appeal

The correct answer is: Magistrates' Court and Crown Court

The Magistrates' Court and the Crown Court are primarily responsible for hearing criminal trials in the UK legal system. Magistrates' Courts handle the majority of criminal cases, including summary offenses (less serious crimes) and some triable either way offenses. They are the first tier in the criminal justice system, where cases are initially heard. A magistrate or a panel of magistrates presides over these trials, determining guilt or innocence and, if necessary, imposing sentences. The Crown Court deals with more serious criminal offenses, such as indictable offenses (more serious crimes like robbery or murder) and also hears appeals from the Magistrates' Court. In the Crown Court, cases are presided over by a judge, and often a jury is involved in significant cases. This division allows the system to effectively manage the varying levels of crime and ensures that more complex or serious matters are dealt with at the appropriate level. The other options do not correctly represent the structure of the courts handling criminal trials. Civil Courts deal with non-criminal matters and are not involved in criminal trials at all. The High Court primarily deals with civil matters, although it can hear some criminal appeals, it does not serve as a trial court for criminal cases. The Court of Appeal