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The Military Court Service provides a criminal court for the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in the Court Martial, Summary Appeal and Service Civilian Court.

• Updated: 10 July 2025

The range of prison sentences a court can give - including suspended, fixed-term, indeterminate and life sentences.

• Concurrent and consecutive sentences

  If you’re sent to prison for 2 or more crimes, you’ll usually get a…

• Suspended prison sentences

  A suspended prison sentence is served in the community instead of in…

• Determinate prison sentences

  A determinate prison sentence is for a fixed length of time. It includes a…

• Indeterminate prison sentences

  An indeterminate prison sentence does not have a fixed length of time.…

• Life sentences

  If you’re found guilty of murder, a court must give you a life sentence. A…

• Sentences for children and young people under 18

  If you’re under 18 you’ll be treated differently to adults by a court. You…

You have the right to speak for yourself in court without a solicitor or legal professional - where to get help with papers and procedures

• Overview

  You have the right to speak for yourself in court without a solicitor or…

• Divorce and separation involving children

  You’ll be referred to as the ‘applicant’ if you brought the case, for…

• Divorce and separation: money and property

  You’ll be referred to as the: ‘applicant’ if you brought the case, for…

• Represent yourself in a criminal court

  You can get legal advice to help you with your case, even if you choose to…

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (SCUK) is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases, and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It hears cases of the greatest public or constitutional importance...

• Updated: 15 April 2021

Order or search online for a copy of a decree absolute or final order if you want to remarry or prove your marital status.

We handle cases relating to intellectual property disputes about: patents registered designs plant varieties If the amount sought (damages) is under £500,000 then the case can also be heard by the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court . If the amount sought...

• Updated: 10 November 2022

Pay civil or family court fees or tribunal fees, get help with fees if you're on a low income or getting benefits.

Apply to the Court of Protection for a one-off decision if you're concerned about someone's personal welfare, property or financial affairs.

Making someone bankrupt is one way to recover money owed to you – bankruptcy petition fees and download a guide to creditor bankruptcy petitions

What being in 'contempt of court' means, who can be in contempt of court, what the consequences are, how to report it, how to avoid it on social media (such as Twitter and Facebook).