The Judicial System of the UK

 

As there is no written constitution, so England and Wales have no criminal code or civil code and the interpretation of the law is based on what has happened in the past (previous judgements and customs). The laws are interpreted by the courts, but changes in the law itself are made in Parliament.

The aims of the criminal justice system are to:

v prevent and reduce crime where possible;

v help victims;

v ensure that those suspected, accused or convicted of crimes are dealt with fairly, justly and with the minimum of delay;

v convict the guilty and acquit the innocent;

v punish suitably those found guilty and discourage further offending

Prosecution in the United Kingdom is initiated and conducted by the police. Each town has a magistrates' court commonly known as a Police Court which hears the less serious cases. Such courts consist of two to seven magistrates known as justices of the peace.

They are often without legal training and knowledge of the law. In some cases they are advised by a Clerk of the Court, a trained lawyer. A magistrates’ court is in session twice each week.

If a person breaks the law he must be brought first before a magistrates' court which has the power to fine people up to 100 pounds and to send them to prison for up to six months. If a case is too serious for magistrates they hear the material of the case and then send the case to a higher court called the Crown Court where the judge and a jury hear the case.

Appeals against the sentences given in the Crown Court are sent to the Court of Appeals. Appeals on cases which are of great public importance are dealt with by the House of Lords — the final court

of appeals.

Here is the diagram of British courts:

 

 

 

Ex. 2. Give the English equivalents for the following:

 

– уменьшить уровень преступности

– обвиненные в совершении преступлений

– справедливо

– оправдать невиновного

– наказать должным образом

– начинается и проводится

– мировой судья

– полицейский суд

– нарушить закон

– суд высшей инстанции

– вынесенный приговор

– без юридического образования

 

Ex. 3. Translate the following word combinations:

 

court – magistrates’ court; Police Court; clerk of the Court; be brought before a court; higher court; Crown court; Court of Appeals; the final court of appeals.