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A court of law is the place where it is decided whether someone has committed a legal wrong, and if so, what should happen to that person. A court may consist of one or more judges sitting alone, or a judge and a jury together.

There have been courts of some sort ever since people started living together in communities. In early times they were composed of the older and wiser people in the community. Eventually in England the courts were presided over by the monarch. Later, it was not possible for the monarch to devote enough time to hearing the cases personally, so judges were appointed to sit in the monarch’s place.

Courts can be classified according to the type of cases they handle. Criminal courts deal with people accused of crime. Crimes are legal wrongs that break the law of the land and are therefore considered to harm the community as a whole. If the person is found guilty, the punishment might be prison or a fine or both.

Civil courts deal with the arguments and differences of opinion between individuals or companies, such as in the case of a disputed will or where a contract has been broken. The person or company found to have committed a legal wrong might have to pay damages to the person wronged or be ordered by the judge to change the wrongful conduct.

Not all courts are concerned with deciding whether someone has committed a legal wrong. Certain courts deal with granting licenses, making decisions about the care of children, and, in some states in the United States, carrying out marriage ceremonies.

One of the principles of law is that justice should not only be done but also be seen to be done. Therefore most courts are open to the public. However, when courts are dealing with cases involving children, either concerning their custody or where they are accused of doing something wrong, the case is usually heard in camera, that is in private. This may also be done for other reasons in the public interest, such as state secrets, if the judge thinks fit. Generally, the judge decides what he or she will allow in court but must follow the rules laid down by law. Disobedience to the judge is known as contempt of court and can be punished by the court.

1. What does the word “court” mean?

2. What are the differences between Criminal and Civil courts?

3. What is a crime?

4. Are all courts concerned with deciding whether someone committed a crime?

5. Which courts do you think would deal with:

a) a bank robbery?

b) a divorce case?

c) a burglary committed by a fifteen-year-old?

d) a case of driving too fast?

e) a case of breach of contract?

6. Why are most courts open to the public?

7. Name some reasons why there are cases which must be heard in camera.

8. Who generally decides what will be allowed in court?

9. Which sentences may Criminal courts impose?

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14