ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the data collected in two large cities in England, located in different parts of the country. Both cities were visited by the author and interviews and observations were conducted in both the magistrates' courts and the Crown Court in these cities. It describes the observations, after which the results of the interviews are presented. The main emphasis in the chapter is placed on the magistrates' courts, because these tribunals try the majority of the criminal cases in England and Wales, but some attention is also paid to jury courts. One of the magistrates' courts visited is located in a major building in the city centre. The building's design is modern and it comprises various storeys. One of the cases observed, which was tried by the magistrates' court, dealt with 'special reasons'. The lay magistrates who were interviewed were affiliated with magistrates' courts in various circuits in England.
