1.2 Myth?

Most criminal cases are not tried by jury. This is because most are dealt with entirely by a magistrates’ court, or because the defendant pleads guilty.

There are two types of criminal courts which try and sentence defendants: the magistrates’ courts and the Crown Court. The magistrates’ courts deal with the early stages of criminal cases, and with the trial and sentencing of less serious offences. Unlike the Crown Court, a magistrates’ court does not have a jury.

Young people under 18 have their cases heard in a special part of the magistrates’ court: the youth court. This court can deal with most offences, even serious ones, and only the most serious cases involving young people (e.g. murder and manslaughter cases) will go to the Crown Court.