Courts, Tribunals and Youth Justice

Which court, and why? ⚖️

When a crime is committed or a dispute cannot be settled, it may end up in **court** - but not the same court every time. The type of case decides where it is heard and who decides the outcome. This module covers the courts of **England and Wales** (a legal system genuinely different from Scotland's and Northern Ireland's), the **tribunals** and **mediation** that settle civil disputes, and the separate **youth justice** system for under-18s.

The words you need 🗝️

Six terms map out the whole justice landscape.

Magistrates' Court vs Crown Court 🏛️

Criminal cases in England and Wales are split between two courts: - **Magistrates' Court**: hears **less serious** (summary) offences. Magistrates - not a jury - decide, and sentencing powers are **limited**. Serious cases also have their first hearing here. - **Crown Court**: hears **serious** (indictable) offences. A **judge** manages the trial and a **jury of 12** decides guilt; sentencing powers are **greater**. Rule of thumb: the more serious the crime, the more likely it reaches the Crown Court and a jury.

Where does a serious case go? 👨‍⚖️

A defendant is charged with a very serious offence that will be decided by a jury. Which court holds the trial?

• The Crown Court, with a judge and a jury
• The Magistrates' Court, with no jury
• The County Court
• A tribunal

Match each court to what it handles 🔗

Settling it without a courtroom 🤝

In a civil dispute, what happens in mediation?

• A neutral third party helps the two sides reach their own agreement, without a court ruling
• A judge hears the case and imposes a binding verdict
• A jury decides who is at fault
• The police investigate and press charges

Settling civil disputes ✅

Select the TWO true statements about settling civil disputes.

• Tribunals deal with particular types of dispute, such as employment
• Mediation lets the parties settle without a courtroom battle
• Tribunals and mediation are used to try serious crimes
• Mediation always uses a jury of twelve

Why youth courts are different 🧒

A Youth Court hears cases against defendants aged 10 to 17. It is a type of magistrates' court, but it works differently from an adult court, because the aim is to help a young person change.

Match each youth-court feature to why it matters 📋

The path of a serious criminal case 🪜

An interactive activity.

The youth justice system 📝

The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is _____. Defendants aged 10 to 17 are usually dealt with in a _____, which is held more _____ than an adult court to protect the young person. Its main aim is _____ rather than simply punishment.

Route the case 🧭

An interactive activity.

Your turn: compare two courts ✍️

An interactive activity.

The grade-9 habit 🌟

Be precise about **which court does what**. Criminal cases split between the **Magistrates' Court** (less serious, no jury, limited sentences) and the **Crown Court** (serious, judge and jury, greater powers); civil claims go to the **County** or **High Court**, or are settled by a **tribunal** or **mediation**. And know exactly why the **Youth Court** (ages 10 to 17) is different - more private, no jury, and aimed at **rehabilitation**. State the England-and-Wales boundary exactly: it is a different legal system from Scotland and Northern Ireland, not simply "the UK".