magistrates' court

magistrates' court
In England and Wales, any of the inferior courts with primarily criminal jurisdiction covering a wide range of offenses, from minor traffic violations and public-health nuisances to somewhat more serious crimes, such as petty theft or assault.

Magistrates' courts with similar jurisdictions, including jurisdiction over small civil claims, may be found in certain large U.S. municipalities.

* * *

▪ English law
      in England and Wales, any of the inferior courts with primarily criminal jurisdiction covering a wide range of offenses from minor traffic violations and public-health nuisances to somewhat more serious crimes, such as petty theft or assault. Magistrates' courts with similar jurisdictions may be found in certain large municipalities in the United States.

      There are several hundred such courts in England and Wales, presided over by a bench or panel of two or more lay, unpaid magistrates. They study the facts of a case and are advised on points of law by the clerk to the justices, who is responsible for the administrative functions of the court. Proceedings are always held in open court, unless the magistrates sit as “examining justices,” whereby they carry out inquiries preliminary to trial in serious matters that may require committal of the accused to a higher court for trial. All criminal charges are initially brought before magistrates' courts. More serious charges are subsequently committed for trial at the Crown Court.

      The ability of magistrates' courts to imprison or fine defendants is limited. Appeals from a magistrates' court go to the High Court or the Crown Court. The magistrates' court also sits as a juvenile court hearing cases involving care of children under 14 and dealing with children aged 14–17 with the exception, in both age groups, of homicide cases.

      In the United States, magistrates are either elected or appointed and, in those areas in which they are still part of the court system, may not require legal training, although in large cities many are lawyers. A magistrates' court in the United States is sometimes called a police court, handling minor criminal matters, traffic offenses, and small civil claims.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • magistrates' court — noun An inferior court composed of justices of the peace or district judges with both criminal and civil jurisdiction • • • Main Entry: ↑magistrate * * * Magistrates’ Court UK US noun [countable] [singular Magistrates’ Court …   Useful english dictionary

  • magistrates' court — UK US noun [C] LAW ► a court that deals with crimes that are not serious: »The case was heard in a magistrates court. »The council can apply to the magistrates court for a warrant to enter the premises. → Compare APPEAL COURT(Cf. ↑appeal court),… …   Financial and business terms

  • Magistrates’ Court — bezeichnet: Magistrates’ Court (England und Wales) Magistrates’ Court (Südafrika) Magistrates’ Court (Hongkong) Diese Seite ist eine Begriffsklärung zur Unterscheidung mehrerer mit demselben Wort bezeichneter Begriffe …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Magistrates' Court — Magistrates ,Court noun count a court in England and Wales where minor crimes are judged …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Magistrates' Court — Magistrates .Court n one of the courts of law in each area of England and Wales which deal with less serious crimes …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • Magistrates' Court — A magistrates court or court of petty sessions, formerly known as a police court, is the lowest level of court in England and Wales and many other common law jurisdictions. A magistrates court is presided over by a tribunal consisting of two or… …   Wikipedia

  • Magistrates' Court — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms Magistrates Court : singular Magistrates Court plural Magistrates Courts a court in England and Wales where minor crimes are judged …   English dictionary

  • Magistrates Court of the Australian Capital Territory — The Magistrates Court of the Australian Capital Territory is a court of summary jurisdiction in Canberra, Australia. The court deals with the majority of less serious criminal cases and the majority of small civil cases in that territory. The… …   Wikipedia

  • Magistrates' Court (disambiguation) — Magistrates Court can refer to: Magistrates Court in England and Wales Magistrates Courts Act 1980 of the United Kingdom Magistrates Courts, Liverpool court building Magistrate s Court of Jersey Magistrates Court (Hong Kong) Magistrates Courts of …   Wikipedia

  • Magistrates' Court (Hong Kong) — Magistrates courts (Hong Kong) Kwun Tong Magistrates Court Jurisdiction Hong Kong Location Hong Kong …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”