The Courts

Criminal Court Procedure Explained

The Criminal Courts operate separately from the Civil Courts. Criminal Courts operate on different rules and procedures. They are designed to determine whether an individual (or a company) is guilty of a crime and to decide upon an appropriate punishment. The Criminal Courts generally do not award compensation to the victim of the crime.

Generally proceedings in the criminal courts are brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (The CPS) who pursue prosecutions after charges have been laid by the police. The Judge, together with a jury in the Crown Court, will hear evidence from the CPS and from the Defendant (the person accused of the crime) before determining that person’s innocence or guilt. If found guilty, the convicted person will then be sentenced by the judge.

• Q: What happens when an allegation of Child abuse is made?
• Q: Who should I speak to at the Police Station?
• Q: What will the police do next?
• Q: Who are the CPS?
• Q: What happens at Court?
• Q: What is evidence?
• Q: What is the role of the victim?
• Q: Can the victim give video evidence?
• Q: What will happen if the Defendant is found Guilty?
• Q: Will the Court award Compensation?

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