Hierarchy of the Courts of England and Wales
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The court system of England and Wales is divided into several tiers, each with its own jurisdiction and responsibilities. Here is an overview of the hierarchy of the court system, from highest to lowest:
Supreme Court: This is the highest court in England and Wales, and it hears only the most important cases. It was established in 2009 to replace the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the final court of appeal in the UK. The Supreme Court deals with civil and criminal cases from all parts of the UK.
Court of Appeal: The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the High Court and other lower courts. It is divided into two divisions: the Civil Division and the Criminal Division. The Civil Division deals with civil cases, while the Criminal Division deals with criminal cases.
High Court: The High Court is the main trial court in England and Wales, with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. It is divided into three divisions: the King's Bench Division, the Chancery Division, and the Family Division. The King's Bench Division deals with general civil cases, the Chancery Division deals with business and property disputes, and the Family Division deals with family law matters.
Crown Court: The Crown Court is a criminal court that hears serious criminal cases, such as murder, rape, and robbery. It also hears appeals from Magistrates' Courts. Cases are heard by a judge and a jury.
Magistrates' Courts: Magistrates' Courts are the lowest level of courts in England and Wales, and they deal with minor criminal cases, such as traffic offences and minor assaults. They also deal with some civil matters, such as family disputes and small claims.
Tribunals: These are specialised courts that deal with specific areas of law. There are many different types of tribunals, such as the Employment Tribunal, the First-tier Tribunal, and the Upper Tribunal. They usually handle disputes between individuals or between individuals and the government.
Supreme Court: This is the highest court in England and Wales, and it hears only the most important cases. It was established in 2009 to replace the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the final court of appeal in the UK. The Supreme Court deals with civil and criminal cases from all parts of the UK.
Court of Appeal: The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the High Court and other lower courts. It is divided into two divisions: the Civil Division and the Criminal Division. The Civil Division deals with civil cases, while the Criminal Division deals with criminal cases.
High Court: The High Court is the main trial court in England and Wales, with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. It is divided into three divisions: the King's Bench Division, the Chancery Division, and the Family Division. The King's Bench Division deals with general civil cases, the Chancery Division deals with business and property disputes, and the Family Division deals with family law matters.
Crown Court: The Crown Court is a criminal court that hears serious criminal cases, such as murder, rape, and robbery. It also hears appeals from Magistrates' Courts. Cases are heard by a judge and a jury.
Magistrates' Courts: Magistrates' Courts are the lowest level of courts in England and Wales, and they deal with minor criminal cases, such as traffic offences and minor assaults. They also deal with some civil matters, such as family disputes and small claims.
Tribunals: These are specialised courts that deal with specific areas of law. There are many different types of tribunals, such as the Employment Tribunal, the First-tier Tribunal, and the Upper Tribunal. They usually handle disputes between individuals or between individuals and the government.
