Criminal courts

Notes:

petty crime мелкое правонарушение

fine штраф

imprisonment тюремное заключение

indictable offence правонарушение, преследуемое по обвинительному акту

assault нападение

alleged подозреваемый

commit a crime совершить преступление

charge with обвинять

About 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales are tried in the Magistrates' Courts, which deal with petty crimes, that is, less serious ones. In certain circumstances, the court may commit an accused person to the Crown Court for more severe punishment, either by way of a fine or imprisonment. Except in cases of homicide, children under 14 and young persons - that is, minors between 14 and 17 years of age - must always be tried summarily, meaning without a jury, by a Youth Court. A Youth Court is a branch of the Magistrates' Court. Indictable offences, that is, more serious ones such as theft, assault, drug dealing, and murder, are reserved for trial in the Crown Court. In almost all criminal cases, the State, in the name of the Crown, prosecutes a person alleged to have committed a crime. In England and Wales, a jury of twelve people decides whether the defendant is guilty of the crime she or he is charged with. The Crown Court may hear cases in circuit areas. From the Crown Court, appeal against conviction or sentence lies to the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal. If leave to appeal is granted by that court, cases may go on appeal to the House of Lords.

1. Comment on the following statement: 1) In Wales and England a judge decides whether the defendant is guilty or not.

2. Make a summary of the text «Criminal courts».

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