Mode of Trial

Nearly all criminal cases start in the magistrates' court. The magistrates' court is for adults, but children with an adult co-defendant will go to the magistrates' court.

A court where a jury will decide whether the person is guilty or not guilty. A child will usually be sent to the Crown Court if the case is serious or if they are jointly charged with an adult.

Someone aged 18 or over who is accused of committing a crime with a child. If a child has an adult co-defendant this may mean the child's case is heard in an adult court (either magistrates' or Crown Court) along with the adult.

An indictable offence is an offence which, if a person is an adult, can be heard in the Crown Court. There are two types: indictable only offences and triable either way offences.

An indictable-only offence is an offence which, if a person is an adult, can only be heard in the Crown Court.

A solicitor that is appointed to a person by the police or the court if they do not have a lawyer of their own. You do not pay for the duty solicitor.

Jurisdiction is the authority of certain courts to hear certain cases.