The UK justice system: courts, police & juries
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team
The UK justice system has two main types of law: criminal law, which deals with crimes brought by the state, and civil law, which settles disputes between people or organisations. Different courts handle each, judges are independent of the government, and juries decide guilt in serious cases. This guide covers the courts, the police, the judiciary and juries. It is part of our government and law study notes.
Key facts
Criminal and civil law
| Criminal law | Civil law | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Crimes, such as theft or assault | Disputes, such as debt or contracts |
| Who brings the case | Usually the state (a prosecution) | One person or organisation sues another |
| Main courts | Magistrates' Court, Crown Court (Sheriff/High Court in Scotland) | County Court (Sheriff Court in Scotland) |
| Possible outcome | A fine, community sentence or prison | Compensation, or an order to do or stop something |
The police
The police protect the public, prevent and investigate crime, and keep order. They must obey the law themselves and are independent. Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) help the police with everyday duties. You can call 999 in an emergency and 101 for non-urgent matters.
The courts
Minor criminal cases are heard in Magistrates' Courts (called Justice of the Peace Courts in Scotland), where magistrates are usually unpaid volunteers who do not need legal qualifications. Serious criminal cases go to the Crown Court, with a judge and a jury. In Scotland, the court system is different: serious criminal cases are heard in the Sheriff Court (with a jury) or the High Court, and most civil cases are also heard in the Sheriff Court.
For civil cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the County Court deals with most matters such as debt, family issues and personal injury, while small claims (for smaller amounts of money) can be dealt with more simply. Youth Courts deal with people aged 10 to 17; in Scotland, most under-16s are dealt with through the Children's Hearings System rather than the courts.
The judiciary and juries
Judges (the judiciary) interpret and apply the law and are independent of the government. In serious criminal trials, a jury of members of the public (12 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 15 in Scotland) decides whether the accused is guilty. Jurors are chosen at random from the electoral register, and jury service is a civic duty. Legal aid can help pay for legal advice for those who cannot afford it.
What to remember for the test
- Criminal law = crimes (brought by the state); civil law = disputes between people or organisations.
- Minor crimes go to the Magistrates' Court; serious crimes to the Crown Court with a jury.
- The judiciary is independent of the government.
- A jury decides guilt in serious cases; jury service is a duty.
- The police must obey the law and are independent.
Practise this topic
Test yourself on the justice system in the real format, then reread anything you miss. This completes the government and law topics.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between criminal and civil law?
- Criminal law deals with crimes and cases are usually brought by the state. Civil law deals with disputes between people or organisations.
- What does a jury do?
- In serious criminal cases in the Crown Court, a jury of members of the public decides whether the accused is guilty or not guilty, based on the evidence.
- Who are magistrates?
- Volunteers who hear minor criminal cases in Magistrates' Courts. They are usually not paid and do not need legal qualifications.
- What is jury service?
- A civic duty. You may be chosen at random from the electoral register to serve on a jury in a court.
- Are judges independent?
- Yes. The judiciary is independent of the government and applies the law free from political influence.
Official sources (GOV.UK)
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