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19 Jan 2026
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Comprehensive Notes for Unit 3 AC2.2 in Criminology
Princess Jayeola
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Types of Criminal Cases and Pre-Trial Processes
When someone is accused of a crime, where they'll be tried depends on the severity of the offence. Indictable offences like murder, treason, and rape are tried in Crown Court (though their first hearing is always in the Magistrates' Court). Less serious summary offences such as motoring violations typically stay in Magistrates' Court. Triable either way offences like theft and fraud can be handled in either court depending on their severity.
Before a trial begins, a pre-trial hearing takes place in the Magistrates' Court. This important step allows legal issues to be resolved, ensures both parties have followed court orders, and establishes a timeline for the trial. When the actual trial begins, charges are read to the defendant who then enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Defendants typically have the choice between a jury trial or a bench trial (where a judge decides the case). While awaiting trial, many defendants receive bail - temporary release that reflects the principle that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Quick fact: Bail can be granted at any point after arrest, either by the police or the courts, and may come with conditions like curfews or restrictions on contacting witnesses.
Plea Bargaining and Magistrates' Courts
Plea bargaining offers defendants an incentive to plead guilty through an arrangement agreed by the prosecution and defence. This might involve allowing the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge (like manslaughter instead of murder) or informing them of their likely sentence in advance if they plead guilty. This process happens during arraignment in the Magistrates' Court.
All criminal cases begin in the Magistrates' Court, regardless of their severity. These courts typically operate with three magistrates who are ordinary community members without legal qualifications. Though not lawyers themselves, magistrates receive guidance from a legally qualified clerk who advises them on points of law when needed.
Defendants in Magistrates' Courts are represented by solicitors, while the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) handles the prosecution. Magistrates determine guilt and can impose fines up to £5,000 and/or prison sentences up to six months.
Important: If convicted in a Magistrates' Court, you have two automatic rights of appeal: against conviction (if you pleaded not guilty) and against sentence. Appeals must be filed within 21 days of sentencing.
Appeals and Crown Courts
Appeals from Magistrates' Courts are heard as retrials in the Crown Court before a judge and two magistrates. The appeal court can uphold or quash your conviction, convict you of a different charge, or adjust your sentence up or down. Successful appeals may result in compensation and legal cost coverage, but failed appeals mean you'll need to pay the costs.
The Crown Court handles all jury trials and deals with three main types of cases: indictable offences (serious crimes like murder and rape), triable either way offences where the defendant chose Crown Court trial or the magistrates deemed the case too serious, and appeals from Magistrates' Courts. In Crown Court, defendants are represented by barristers while the CPS continues to prosecute.
For defendants pleading not guilty, a jury of 12 members of the public hears the case. Jurors listen to all evidence, may take notes, and can ask questions during the trial. After hearing all arguments, they retire to deliberate in secret, typically striving for a unanimous verdict though the judge may accept a majority verdict in some circumstances.
Did you know? The English legal system follows the adversarial principle, where two opposing sides present their arguments before a neutral jury or judge, unlike the inquisitorial system used in some European countries.
Judges, Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court
The judge serves several crucial functions in Crown Court: ensuring fair trials, protecting defendants' human rights, advising the jury on legal matters, refereeing between defence and prosecution, and passing sentence on guilty defendants. In rare cases where jurors might face bribery or intimidation, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 allows judges to try cases without a jury.
If a Crown Court verdict is questioned, the Court of Appeal Criminal Division reviews whether the verdict is "safe." This isn't a retrial but rather an examination of the original trial's fairness and legality. The Court can order a new trial, dismiss the verdict entirely, or modify the sentence. Permission ("leave") is required to appeal, and cases are heard by judges without a jury.
The Supreme Court, created in 2009, sits at the pinnacle of the UK's court hierarchy. Prior to 2009, this function belonged to the House of Lords via 12 Law Lords who now serve on the Supreme Court. Cases reach this highest court only when they involve legal questions that significantly affect the public, and again, permission is required for a hearing.
Remember: The Supreme Court makes rulings that bind all courts beneath it, essentially establishing legal precedent for the entire UK justice system.
The Supreme Court's Authority
The Supreme Court operates with 12 Law Lords who make decisions that bind all lower courts in the UK legal system. This creates a consistent application of law across the country and establishes important precedents that shape future cases. Like the Court of Appeal, cases need permission to be heard at this level.
The Supreme Court handles particularly significant legal questions that have broad social implications. For instance, the court might rule on transgender rights cases that determine legal ages for various transition-related treatments, currently set at 18 for surgical interventions and 16 for cross-sex hormones. These landmark decisions often establish how laws will be interpreted for years to come.
The Supreme Court's creation in 2009 represented an important separation of the judicial and legislative branches of government, as previously these judicial functions were housed within Parliament through the House of Lords. This restructuring helped strengthen the independence of the UK's highest court.
Think about it: When the Supreme Court makes a ruling on a case like transgender rights, their decision doesn't just affect the individuals involved—it establishes how similar cases will be handled throughout the entire UK justice system.
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
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Elisha
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Comprehensive Notes for Unit 3 AC2.2 in Criminology
Princess Jayeola
@princessjayeola_iwzq
Understanding how criminal trials work is crucial for grasping the UK justice system. From initial hearings to final verdicts, the trial process follows specific procedures designed to ensure fair treatment of all parties involved, with different courts handling different types... Show more
Types of Criminal Cases and Pre-Trial Processes
When someone is accused of a crime, where they'll be tried depends on the severity of the offence. Indictable offences like murder, treason, and rape are tried in Crown Court (though their first hearing is always in the Magistrates' Court). Less serious summary offences such as motoring violations typically stay in Magistrates' Court. Triable either way offences like theft and fraud can be handled in either court depending on their severity.
Before a trial begins, a pre-trial hearing takes place in the Magistrates' Court. This important step allows legal issues to be resolved, ensures both parties have followed court orders, and establishes a timeline for the trial. When the actual trial begins, charges are read to the defendant who then enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Defendants typically have the choice between a jury trial or a bench trial (where a judge decides the case). While awaiting trial, many defendants receive bail - temporary release that reflects the principle that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Quick fact: Bail can be granted at any point after arrest, either by the police or the courts, and may come with conditions like curfews or restrictions on contacting witnesses.
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Plea Bargaining and Magistrates' Courts
Plea bargaining offers defendants an incentive to plead guilty through an arrangement agreed by the prosecution and defence. This might involve allowing the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge (like manslaughter instead of murder) or informing them of their likely sentence in advance if they plead guilty. This process happens during arraignment in the Magistrates' Court.
All criminal cases begin in the Magistrates' Court, regardless of their severity. These courts typically operate with three magistrates who are ordinary community members without legal qualifications. Though not lawyers themselves, magistrates receive guidance from a legally qualified clerk who advises them on points of law when needed.
Defendants in Magistrates' Courts are represented by solicitors, while the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) handles the prosecution. Magistrates determine guilt and can impose fines up to £5,000 and/or prison sentences up to six months.
Important: If convicted in a Magistrates' Court, you have two automatic rights of appeal: against conviction (if you pleaded not guilty) and against sentence. Appeals must be filed within 21 days of sentencing.
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Appeals and Crown Courts
Appeals from Magistrates' Courts are heard as retrials in the Crown Court before a judge and two magistrates. The appeal court can uphold or quash your conviction, convict you of a different charge, or adjust your sentence up or down. Successful appeals may result in compensation and legal cost coverage, but failed appeals mean you'll need to pay the costs.
The Crown Court handles all jury trials and deals with three main types of cases: indictable offences (serious crimes like murder and rape), triable either way offences where the defendant chose Crown Court trial or the magistrates deemed the case too serious, and appeals from Magistrates' Courts. In Crown Court, defendants are represented by barristers while the CPS continues to prosecute.
For defendants pleading not guilty, a jury of 12 members of the public hears the case. Jurors listen to all evidence, may take notes, and can ask questions during the trial. After hearing all arguments, they retire to deliberate in secret, typically striving for a unanimous verdict though the judge may accept a majority verdict in some circumstances.
Did you know? The English legal system follows the adversarial principle, where two opposing sides present their arguments before a neutral jury or judge, unlike the inquisitorial system used in some European countries.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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Judges, Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court
The judge serves several crucial functions in Crown Court: ensuring fair trials, protecting defendants' human rights, advising the jury on legal matters, refereeing between defence and prosecution, and passing sentence on guilty defendants. In rare cases where jurors might face bribery or intimidation, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 allows judges to try cases without a jury.
If a Crown Court verdict is questioned, the Court of Appeal Criminal Division reviews whether the verdict is "safe." This isn't a retrial but rather an examination of the original trial's fairness and legality. The Court can order a new trial, dismiss the verdict entirely, or modify the sentence. Permission ("leave") is required to appeal, and cases are heard by judges without a jury.
The Supreme Court, created in 2009, sits at the pinnacle of the UK's court hierarchy. Prior to 2009, this function belonged to the House of Lords via 12 Law Lords who now serve on the Supreme Court. Cases reach this highest court only when they involve legal questions that significantly affect the public, and again, permission is required for a hearing.
Remember: The Supreme Court makes rulings that bind all courts beneath it, essentially establishing legal precedent for the entire UK justice system.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Supreme Court's Authority
The Supreme Court operates with 12 Law Lords who make decisions that bind all lower courts in the UK legal system. This creates a consistent application of law across the country and establishes important precedents that shape future cases. Like the Court of Appeal, cases need permission to be heard at this level.
The Supreme Court handles particularly significant legal questions that have broad social implications. For instance, the court might rule on transgender rights cases that determine legal ages for various transition-related treatments, currently set at 18 for surgical interventions and 16 for cross-sex hormones. These landmark decisions often establish how laws will be interpreted for years to come.
The Supreme Court's creation in 2009 represented an important separation of the judicial and legislative branches of government, as previously these judicial functions were housed within Parliament through the House of Lords. This restructuring helped strengthen the independence of the UK's highest court.
Think about it: When the Supreme Court makes a ruling on a case like transgender rights, their decision doesn't just affect the individuals involved—it establishes how similar cases will be handled throughout the entire UK justice system.
We thought you’d never ask...
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user