Criminal courts — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover Criminal courts, part of the The UK government, the law and your role chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where are most minor criminal cases dealt with?
- High Court
- Crown Court
- ✓ Magistrates’ Court — Correct answer
- Court of Session
Most minor criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are dealt with in a Magistrates’ Court.
How many members does a jury have in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- 20
- 10
- ✓ 12 — Correct answer
- 15
A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members. In Scotland, a jury has 15 members.
In England, Wales and Scotland, do magistrates and Justices of the Peace usually work unpaid?
- No
- ✓ Yes — Correct answer
In England, Wales and Scotland, magistrates and Justices of the Peace usually work unpaid as volunteers. They do not need legal qualifications.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where are serious offences tried?
- ✓ A Crown Court, with a judge and a jury — Correct answer
- A Magistrates' Court
- A County Court
- A Justice of the Peace Court
The Crown Court handles the most serious criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Cases there are heard by a judge and a jury.
What verdicts can a jury give in Scotland?
- Responsible and not responsible
- ✓ Guilty, not guilty, and not proven — Correct answer
- Guilty and not guilty only
- Convicted and acquitted only
In Scotland, a jury can return guilty, not guilty, or not proven. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the two verdicts are guilty and not guilty.