ABSTRACT
In England and Wales the majority of minor criminal cases are heard at the Magistrates or the Youth Courts, where the accused will generally be represented by a solicitor. More serious cases, or those where a case is made for a trial by jury, are dealt with at the Crown Court. The 1971 Courts Act eventually abolished the old courts of assize and quarter sessions replacing them with the Crown Courts system we have today. The present system of the Supreme Court of Judicature consists of the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the Crown Court. Those towns where the Crown Court sits are classified as first-, second-or third-tier courts according to their business and the level of the presiding judge. The more serious criminal offences are dealt with at first-tier centres before High Court Judges. High Court Judges, Circuit Judges and Recorders sit at second-tier centres, while Circuit Judges and Recorders sit at third-tier centres. The seriousness of the case will generally be reflected by the seniority of the judge who will preside over it.
