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The Criminal Process

Classification of offences and the criminal courts

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Three classes of criminal offence, summary offence and either way offence.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Numbers

Describe the part the magistrates' court plays in every criminal case, including an indictable only one.

Key term

Name the three classes of criminal offence.

Key term

What is a summary offence?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Name the three classes of criminal offence.

    Model answer

    Criminal offences are classified as summary, either way or indictable only. The classification decides which court may try the offence.

  2. 2

    What is a summary offence?

    Model answer

    A summary offence is one triable only in the magistrates' court. Common assault and most road traffic offences are summary offences.

  3. 3

    What is an either way offence?

    Model answer

    An either way offence may be tried in the magistrates' court or in the Crown Court. Theft, burglary and assault occasioning actual bodily harm are either way offences.

  4. 4

    What is an indictable only offence?

    Model answer

    An indictable only offence can be tried only in the Crown Court. Murder, manslaughter, rape and robbery are indictable only offences.

  5. 5

    Where do all criminal cases begin?

    Model answer

    Every criminal case begins in the magistrates' court whatever its classification. The magistrates deal with bail and either try the case or send it upwards.

  6. 6

    How is an indictable only offence sent to the Crown Court?

    Model answer

    Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 requires magistrates to send an indictable only case straight to the Crown Court. The magistrates deal only with bail and funding before sending the case.

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