Criminal courts

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Crown Court

Types of cases the Crown Court deals with

A Crown Court deals with serious criminal cases, for example:

  • murder
  • rape
  • robbery

It also deals with:

  • appeals against a magistrates’ court conviction or sentence
  • cases passed from a magistrates’ court for trial or sentencing

Find a Crown Court.

You can see what cases a court is hearing each day and check their progress on the court lists.

Who does what in the court

A Crown Court:

  • normally has a jury - which decides if you’re guilty or not
  • has a judge - who decides what sentence you get

Your solicitor (if you have one) can explain what happens in court - the judge and court staff will also give instructions about the trial.

Sentences a Crown Court can give

A Crown Court can give a range of sentences including:

Appealing a sentence or conviction

If you disagree with the Crown Court’s verdict, you may be able to appeal.