In the Court

A man has been arrested for something like shoplifting, or for dangerous driving, or for getting drunk and causing “a disturbance of the peace”. He’s in a Magistrates Court now.

The accused person is situated in a kind of large, open box. It is on a raised platform almost in the centre of the court and is called “the dock”. There are three Magistrates “on the bench” in front of the offender. At least one of them is a woman. They are also on a raised platform, at desks, side by side. In front of and below them there is another man. He is the “Clerk of the Court” and he, unlike them, is trained in the law and is paid for his work. During the case he will handle the administrative details and perhaps give advice to the Magistrates on legal points.

The case begins. The policeman who arrested the criminal gives evidence. He tells the court when and why he arrested him (her), what the criminal said what he said, and so on. The solicitor questions, or “cross-examines” him. One of the Magistrates speaking for all three also asks questions. Other witnesses appear. Perhaps the accused person says nothing at all. He or she does not have to speak in his (her) defence. “Everyone is innocent unless proved guilty ”. In other words, the accused person does not have to prove that he or she is innocent. The police have to prove the criminal is guilty.

At the end the Magistrates probably do not even go out of the court. They discuss the case in low voices in front of the accused person. Then the Clerk of the Court tells him (her) to stand. The Magistrate who has done the talking for the others tells the person whether they have found him (her) innocent or guilty. He can sentence him (her) to no more than six months in gaol for one offence, to a maximum of one year for two or more offences or to a fine of 400 pounds.

More serious cases are heard in the Crown Court, where the Judge is always a legal expert and is also paid for his work. In the Crown Court the accused person may be given a “trial by jury”. Twelve ordinary people judge you. But the Judge himself always decides on the sentence. The barrister who is qualified to plead in the higher courts presents cases in the Crown Court.

Reporters for local newspapers often go to Magistrates Courts; the next day articles appear in the paper and full names, ages, addresses and details of the case are given.

Writing

10. You’re a reporter for the local newspaper. Write an article with full names, ages, addresses and details of the case you’ve heard in the court.

Just for fun

Дата добавления: 2015-08-05