The role of the courts — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The role of the 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
What is used in Northern Ireland to consider how a child should be dealt with after an offence?
- The County Court
- The Children’s Hearings System
- The Crown Court
- ✓ Youth conferencing — Correct answer
Northern Ireland uses youth conferencing to decide how a child should be dealt with after an offence. Scotland uses the Children’s Hearings System.
How many members are there on a jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- 10
- 8
- 15
- ✓ 12 — Correct answer
A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members. In Scotland, a jury has 15 members.
What are judges responsible for?
- Choosing MPs for Parliament
- ✓ Interpreting the law and ensuring trials are conducted fairly — Correct answer
- Setting police budgets
- Running local councils
Judges interpret the law and ensure that trials are conducted fairly. The government cannot interfere with this.
How many members are on a jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- 18
- 15
- ✓ 12 — Correct answer
- 10
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a jury has 12 members. In Scotland, a jury has 15 members.
What system is used in Scotland for children and young people who have committed an offence?
- ✓ The Children’s Hearings System — Correct answer
- Youth conferencing
- The Sheriff Court
- The Crown Court
Scotland uses the Children’s Hearings System for children and young people who have committed an offence. Northern Ireland uses youth conferencing instead.
What can a jury decide after hearing the evidence?
- The local police budget
- The government policy
- ✓ Guilty or not guilty — Correct answer
- The election result
The jury listens to the evidence and then decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In Scotland, a third verdict of not proven is also possible.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where are most minor criminal cases dealt with?
- Crown Court
- High 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. In Scotland, minor criminal offences go to a Justice of the Peace Court.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, people aged 10 to 17 usually have their case heard in which court?
- ✓ Youth Court — Correct answer
- High Court
- Crown Court
- County Court
If an accused person is aged 10 to 17, the case is normally heard in a Youth Court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The most serious cases go to the Crown Court.