CRIMINAL LITIGATION Revision Notes:
BACKGROUND:........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE RULES:............................................................................................................................................................... 2
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS:..................................................................................................................................................................2
CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCES:...............................................................................................................................................................3
THE CRIMINAL COURTS:........................................................................................................................................................................4
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN CRIMINAL LITIGATION:................................................................................................................ 4
FUNDING OVERVIEW:.............................................................................................................................................................. 5
PUBLIC FUNDING:............................................................................................................................................................................... 5
ADVISING A CLIENT AT THE POLICE STATION:........................................................................................................................... 5
DETENTION [PACE]:........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
RIGHTS OF A SUSPECT:......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURES:............................................................................................................................................................... 7
RIGHT TO SILENCE & ADVERSE INFERENCES:.............................................................................................................................................8
PROCEDURE FOR INTERVIEWING A SUSPECT UNDER PACE:..........................................................................................................................8
THE ROLE OF THE SOLICITOR AT THE POLICE STATION:................................................................................................................................9
COMMENCING PROCEEDINGS:................................................................................................................................................. 9
BAIL APPLICATIONS:................................................................................................................................................................ 9
PRESUMPTION & OBJECTIONS:.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
CONDITIONS & BREACH......................................................................................................................................................................10
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING BAIL:........................................................................................................................................................11
FIRST HEARINGS BEFORE MAGISTRATES’ COURT:................................................................................................................... 11
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE HEARING:..................................................................................................................................................11
FIRST HEARINGS – EITHER WAY OFFENCES:.............................................................................................................................................12
PRE-TRIAL CONSIDERATIONS:................................................................................................................................................ 12
APPLICATION FOR DISMISSAL:..............................................................................................................................................................12
CASE MANAGEMENT AND PRE-TRIAL HEARINGS:......................................................................................................................................13
DISCLOSURE:.................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
THE ADMISSION AND EXCLUSION OF EVIDENCE:.................................................................................................................... 15
EXCLUDING EVIDENCE – MAIN METHODS TO EXCLUDE/STOP A CASE:...........................................................................................................15
BURDEN AND STANDARD OF PROOF:.....................................................................................................................................................15
VISUAL IDENTIFICATION EVIDENCE + THE TURNBULL GUIDELINES:...............................................................................................................16
HEARSAY EVIDENCE:.......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
WITNESSES: PRELIMINARY ISSUES.........................................................................................................................................................18
CONFESSION EVIDENCE:......................................................................................................................................................... 18
WHAT ARE CONFESSIONS?..................................................................................................................................................................18
EXCLUDING CONFESSIONS (S76):......................................................................................................................................................... 19
EXCLUDING EVIDENCE (INCL CONFESSIONS) (S78):...................................................................................................................................19
BAD CHARACTER EVIDENCE:.................................................................................................................................................. 19
INTRODUCTION:................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
THE 7 GATEWAYS TO ADMIT BAD CHARACTER EVIDENCE:..........................................................................................................................19
PROCEDURE FOR ADMITTING BAD CHARACTER EVIDENCE:..........................................................................................................................20
COURT POWERS TO EXCLUDE BAD CHARACTER EVIDENCE:.........................................................................................................................21
TRIAL IN THE MAGISTRATES’ COURT:..................................................................................................................................... 21
TRIAL PROCESS:................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
TRIAL IN THE CROWN COURT:................................................................................................................................................ 21
1
, TRIAL PROCEDURE:............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
SUBMISSION OF NO CASE TO ANSWER/HALF TIME SUBMISSION:.................................................................................................................22
MODES OF ADDRESS AND COURT ROOM ETIQUETTE:............................................................................................................ 22
COURT ROOM ETIQUETTE:.................................................................................................................................................................. 22
WITNESS EXAMINATION:....................................................................................................................................................... 22
EXAMINATION IN CHIEF:..................................................................................................................................................................... 22
CROSS-EXAMINATION:....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
RE-EXAMINATION:.............................................................................................................................................................................23
SPECIAL MEASURES FOR WITNESSES:.....................................................................................................................................................23
SENTENCING:......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
ROLE OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES:.......................................................................................................................................................24
DETERMINING SERIOUSNESS (AGGRAVATING & MITIGATING FACTORS):.......................................................................................................24
CONCURRENT AND CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES:.........................................................................................................................................25
TOTALITY PRINCIPLE:..........................................................................................................................................................................25
MITIGATION:................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
TYPES OF SENTENCE:..........................................................................................................................................................................25
NEWTON HEARINGS:............................................................................................................................................................. 27
APPEALS:............................................................................................................................................................................... 27
APPEALS FROM MAGISTRATES TO CROWN COURT:..................................................................................................................................27
APPEALS FROM CROWN COURT TO COURT OF APPEAL:............................................................................................................................28
YOUTH COURT PROCEDURE:.................................................................................................................................................. 29
JURISDICTION AND GRAVE CRIMES:.......................................................................................................................................................29
SENTENCING – ROLE OF SENTENCING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE GUIDELINES:........................................................................................30
TYPES OF SENTENCE:..........................................................................................................................................................................30
CROSSING A SIGNIFICANT AGE THRESHOLD BETWEEN COMMISSION OF OFFENCE AND SENTENCING:...................................................................31
BACKGROUND:
Criminal procedure rules:
In accordance with overriding objective = cases be dealt with justly
The case management functions of the court:
o Judges & participants are required to actively consider the way the case is
conducted/managed, ensuring:
Issues are identified early; cases come to trial quickly, without delay
o Deadlines & other directions should be observed
o Parties shouldn’t ambush each other by failing to serve docs/applications
o Cooperation is encouraged to progress the case – can progress in D’s absence
o Judges can sanction parties i.e. move/cancel hearing; costs orders; refuse to admit
evidence/refusing to hear an application to exclude; draw inferences
Standard directions:
Prosecution notifies of bad character/hearsay intent -> within 20 days
Initial disclosure triggers defence statement -> within 10 days
Defence notifies witness attendance need -> 5 days
Defence indicates opposition to evidence -> within 10 days
Defence gives prompt notice for hearsay evidence
Both parties serve readiness certificates -> 10 days before trial
Criminal justice process:
Arrest [or written requisition/summons] (“Suspect” with rights):
To make an arrest, police must have reasonable grounds to suspect an offence has been
committed [low evidential threshold]
Charge (“D” if charged):
2
, Custody officer with CPS must consider whether there is sufficient evidence to charge (i.e.,
realistic prospect of conviction) [slightly higher threshold]
Contents of “interview under caution” considered – admissible evidence
Plea (asked to enter G/NG plea)
Defence can assess strength & nature of evidence as prosecution provides initial details of the
prosecution case (IDPC – summary of evidence/witness statements)
If evidence strong/no defence = advised to plead guilty (considered in sentencing)
If pleads NG, proceeds to trial (offence = determines which court sentenced/tried)
Evidence:
As case progresses, CPS will be reviewing to determine whether sufficient evidence
Defence will be looking at the case to assess any weaknesses + looking at witness evidence
Both sets of lawyers consider the evidence in light of its:
o Admissibility; Relevance to a fact in issue; Strength; Credibility; Weight
Trial:
BoP on prosecution opens the case and calls its witnesses
D can make a “no case to answer” submission if succeeds, case over already
If there is a case to answer, defence presents its case and the tribunal decide G/NG
Sentence:
If D is found/pleads guilty then can be sentenced
Appeal:
If D pleads guilty then can challenge sentence imposed
If D found guilty then can plead conviction AND sentence
Classification of offences:
Summary only
Plea at 1st hearing in MC trial (if necessary) at MC sentence in MC
Either-way
Plea at 1st hearing in MC trial at MC/CC (sent/elected) CC can sentence either
Indictable only
1st hearing at MC plea at cc trial at CC sentenced in CC
Assault and battery Summary only Max 6 months
S47 OAPA Either way Max 5 years
S20 OAPA Either way Max 5 years
S18 OAPA Indictable only Max life sentence
Theft Either way Max 7 years
Robbery Indictable only Max life sentence
Burglary Either way Max 14 years (for domestic)
Aggravated burglary Indictable only Max life sentence
Simple criminal damage/attempt Summary only Max 3 months + fine
(£5,000 or less)
Aggravated criminal damage Either way Max 10 years custody
Arson Either way Max life sentence
Arson with intent/recklessness to Indictable only Max life sentence
endangering life
Murder Indictable only Mandatory life sentence
Voluntary manslaughter Indictable only Maximum life sentence
Involuntary manslaughter Indictable only Max life sentence
Fraud (representation/abuse of Either way Max 10 years
position/failure to disclose)
Exceptions to general rule re location for trial:
Low value shoplifting [stealing goods valued at £200 or less]:
Treated as summary only [max 6 months] but D still has right to be tried in CC
3
, Criminal damage:
Only dealt with by CC where damages is £5,000 or more OR caused by fire, if not then summary
only with max 3 months’ imprisonment/level 4 fine
Special cases sent to CC directly:
Complex fraud – at least 2 of the following apply -> amount alleged to be £500K+, international
dimension, specialist knowledge needed, numerous victims, fraud on public body, widespread
public concern
OR cases where children may be called as witnesses
The criminal courts:
Courts of the first instance: determine a D’s guilt (plea/trial) & have powers of sentencing
Magistrates’ Court [summary offences + either way offences (E-W) where D
consents]:
o All adults have 1st hearing at MC (children = Youth Court)
o 3 lay magistrates (“the bench”) + legal adviser OR a district judge
o All matters dealt (bail/plea/allocation/trial/admissibility/sentence)
o Sentencing powers = 6 months or less, max 12 months for 2 summary only offences +
Unlimited fines; Costs & make ancillary orders; Power to commit D for sentence at CC (E-
W)
Crown Court [E-W & indictable]:
o Presided over by a circuit judge, High Court judge or a recorder (part time judge)
o Judge responsible for all matters except determining guilt jury determines
Judge = arbiter of law; jury = arbiter of fact
o Jury can only decide guilt based on what’s HEARD in court
o Any admissibility arguments must be conducted without the jury
Sentencing powers: Imprisonment for maximum life; Unlimited fines; Costs & make ancillary
orders; Committals for sentence when G of E-W in MC
Appeal courts:
Supreme Court [point of law of general public importance]
Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) [no jury – doesn’t pass on sentence but can alter]
High Court [limited jurisdiction for criminal – “state a case”/JR decisions re bail]
Crown Court (hearing Magistrates’ Court appeals circuit judge + 2 lay magistrates)
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN CRIMINAL LITIGATION:
You can’t act for clients if you’re unable to act in their best interests and you can only take
instructions from the client/someone properly authorised to give instructions on their behalf
generally free to decide to take on – can refuse
If there is a conflict/significant risk of a conflict, you can’t act for all/likely any of them:
Exceptions not applicable to criminal litigation – must NEVER act
Interview clients separately to determine conflict
Cannot resolve conflict by instructing another firm or counsel to undertake advocacy on behalf
of one client – nor pass on to another member of your firm
You owe clients a duty of confidentiality forever [even after death], unless:
Client consents/when required by law (statute)
If you receive confidential info for one client need to seek consent to disclose to other client
(don’t have to consent) but cease acting if cannot
You owe clients a duty of disclosure:
Must inform clients of all material info possessed + refrain from acting if holding material info
for another client unless confidentiality can be protected – information barriers don’t apply here
You can’t mislead the court (acts & omissions)
Solicitors = officers of the court
If client insists on course of action that would/could mislead the court = must stop acting for
them
4
BACKGROUND:........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE RULES:............................................................................................................................................................... 2
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS:..................................................................................................................................................................2
CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCES:...............................................................................................................................................................3
THE CRIMINAL COURTS:........................................................................................................................................................................4
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN CRIMINAL LITIGATION:................................................................................................................ 4
FUNDING OVERVIEW:.............................................................................................................................................................. 5
PUBLIC FUNDING:............................................................................................................................................................................... 5
ADVISING A CLIENT AT THE POLICE STATION:........................................................................................................................... 5
DETENTION [PACE]:........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
RIGHTS OF A SUSPECT:......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURES:............................................................................................................................................................... 7
RIGHT TO SILENCE & ADVERSE INFERENCES:.............................................................................................................................................8
PROCEDURE FOR INTERVIEWING A SUSPECT UNDER PACE:..........................................................................................................................8
THE ROLE OF THE SOLICITOR AT THE POLICE STATION:................................................................................................................................9
COMMENCING PROCEEDINGS:................................................................................................................................................. 9
BAIL APPLICATIONS:................................................................................................................................................................ 9
PRESUMPTION & OBJECTIONS:.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
CONDITIONS & BREACH......................................................................................................................................................................10
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING BAIL:........................................................................................................................................................11
FIRST HEARINGS BEFORE MAGISTRATES’ COURT:................................................................................................................... 11
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE HEARING:..................................................................................................................................................11
FIRST HEARINGS – EITHER WAY OFFENCES:.............................................................................................................................................12
PRE-TRIAL CONSIDERATIONS:................................................................................................................................................ 12
APPLICATION FOR DISMISSAL:..............................................................................................................................................................12
CASE MANAGEMENT AND PRE-TRIAL HEARINGS:......................................................................................................................................13
DISCLOSURE:.................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
THE ADMISSION AND EXCLUSION OF EVIDENCE:.................................................................................................................... 15
EXCLUDING EVIDENCE – MAIN METHODS TO EXCLUDE/STOP A CASE:...........................................................................................................15
BURDEN AND STANDARD OF PROOF:.....................................................................................................................................................15
VISUAL IDENTIFICATION EVIDENCE + THE TURNBULL GUIDELINES:...............................................................................................................16
HEARSAY EVIDENCE:.......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
WITNESSES: PRELIMINARY ISSUES.........................................................................................................................................................18
CONFESSION EVIDENCE:......................................................................................................................................................... 18
WHAT ARE CONFESSIONS?..................................................................................................................................................................18
EXCLUDING CONFESSIONS (S76):......................................................................................................................................................... 19
EXCLUDING EVIDENCE (INCL CONFESSIONS) (S78):...................................................................................................................................19
BAD CHARACTER EVIDENCE:.................................................................................................................................................. 19
INTRODUCTION:................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
THE 7 GATEWAYS TO ADMIT BAD CHARACTER EVIDENCE:..........................................................................................................................19
PROCEDURE FOR ADMITTING BAD CHARACTER EVIDENCE:..........................................................................................................................20
COURT POWERS TO EXCLUDE BAD CHARACTER EVIDENCE:.........................................................................................................................21
TRIAL IN THE MAGISTRATES’ COURT:..................................................................................................................................... 21
TRIAL PROCESS:................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
TRIAL IN THE CROWN COURT:................................................................................................................................................ 21
1
, TRIAL PROCEDURE:............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
SUBMISSION OF NO CASE TO ANSWER/HALF TIME SUBMISSION:.................................................................................................................22
MODES OF ADDRESS AND COURT ROOM ETIQUETTE:............................................................................................................ 22
COURT ROOM ETIQUETTE:.................................................................................................................................................................. 22
WITNESS EXAMINATION:....................................................................................................................................................... 22
EXAMINATION IN CHIEF:..................................................................................................................................................................... 22
CROSS-EXAMINATION:....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
RE-EXAMINATION:.............................................................................................................................................................................23
SPECIAL MEASURES FOR WITNESSES:.....................................................................................................................................................23
SENTENCING:......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
ROLE OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES:.......................................................................................................................................................24
DETERMINING SERIOUSNESS (AGGRAVATING & MITIGATING FACTORS):.......................................................................................................24
CONCURRENT AND CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES:.........................................................................................................................................25
TOTALITY PRINCIPLE:..........................................................................................................................................................................25
MITIGATION:................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
TYPES OF SENTENCE:..........................................................................................................................................................................25
NEWTON HEARINGS:............................................................................................................................................................. 27
APPEALS:............................................................................................................................................................................... 27
APPEALS FROM MAGISTRATES TO CROWN COURT:..................................................................................................................................27
APPEALS FROM CROWN COURT TO COURT OF APPEAL:............................................................................................................................28
YOUTH COURT PROCEDURE:.................................................................................................................................................. 29
JURISDICTION AND GRAVE CRIMES:.......................................................................................................................................................29
SENTENCING – ROLE OF SENTENCING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE GUIDELINES:........................................................................................30
TYPES OF SENTENCE:..........................................................................................................................................................................30
CROSSING A SIGNIFICANT AGE THRESHOLD BETWEEN COMMISSION OF OFFENCE AND SENTENCING:...................................................................31
BACKGROUND:
Criminal procedure rules:
In accordance with overriding objective = cases be dealt with justly
The case management functions of the court:
o Judges & participants are required to actively consider the way the case is
conducted/managed, ensuring:
Issues are identified early; cases come to trial quickly, without delay
o Deadlines & other directions should be observed
o Parties shouldn’t ambush each other by failing to serve docs/applications
o Cooperation is encouraged to progress the case – can progress in D’s absence
o Judges can sanction parties i.e. move/cancel hearing; costs orders; refuse to admit
evidence/refusing to hear an application to exclude; draw inferences
Standard directions:
Prosecution notifies of bad character/hearsay intent -> within 20 days
Initial disclosure triggers defence statement -> within 10 days
Defence notifies witness attendance need -> 5 days
Defence indicates opposition to evidence -> within 10 days
Defence gives prompt notice for hearsay evidence
Both parties serve readiness certificates -> 10 days before trial
Criminal justice process:
Arrest [or written requisition/summons] (“Suspect” with rights):
To make an arrest, police must have reasonable grounds to suspect an offence has been
committed [low evidential threshold]
Charge (“D” if charged):
2
, Custody officer with CPS must consider whether there is sufficient evidence to charge (i.e.,
realistic prospect of conviction) [slightly higher threshold]
Contents of “interview under caution” considered – admissible evidence
Plea (asked to enter G/NG plea)
Defence can assess strength & nature of evidence as prosecution provides initial details of the
prosecution case (IDPC – summary of evidence/witness statements)
If evidence strong/no defence = advised to plead guilty (considered in sentencing)
If pleads NG, proceeds to trial (offence = determines which court sentenced/tried)
Evidence:
As case progresses, CPS will be reviewing to determine whether sufficient evidence
Defence will be looking at the case to assess any weaknesses + looking at witness evidence
Both sets of lawyers consider the evidence in light of its:
o Admissibility; Relevance to a fact in issue; Strength; Credibility; Weight
Trial:
BoP on prosecution opens the case and calls its witnesses
D can make a “no case to answer” submission if succeeds, case over already
If there is a case to answer, defence presents its case and the tribunal decide G/NG
Sentence:
If D is found/pleads guilty then can be sentenced
Appeal:
If D pleads guilty then can challenge sentence imposed
If D found guilty then can plead conviction AND sentence
Classification of offences:
Summary only
Plea at 1st hearing in MC trial (if necessary) at MC sentence in MC
Either-way
Plea at 1st hearing in MC trial at MC/CC (sent/elected) CC can sentence either
Indictable only
1st hearing at MC plea at cc trial at CC sentenced in CC
Assault and battery Summary only Max 6 months
S47 OAPA Either way Max 5 years
S20 OAPA Either way Max 5 years
S18 OAPA Indictable only Max life sentence
Theft Either way Max 7 years
Robbery Indictable only Max life sentence
Burglary Either way Max 14 years (for domestic)
Aggravated burglary Indictable only Max life sentence
Simple criminal damage/attempt Summary only Max 3 months + fine
(£5,000 or less)
Aggravated criminal damage Either way Max 10 years custody
Arson Either way Max life sentence
Arson with intent/recklessness to Indictable only Max life sentence
endangering life
Murder Indictable only Mandatory life sentence
Voluntary manslaughter Indictable only Maximum life sentence
Involuntary manslaughter Indictable only Max life sentence
Fraud (representation/abuse of Either way Max 10 years
position/failure to disclose)
Exceptions to general rule re location for trial:
Low value shoplifting [stealing goods valued at £200 or less]:
Treated as summary only [max 6 months] but D still has right to be tried in CC
3
, Criminal damage:
Only dealt with by CC where damages is £5,000 or more OR caused by fire, if not then summary
only with max 3 months’ imprisonment/level 4 fine
Special cases sent to CC directly:
Complex fraud – at least 2 of the following apply -> amount alleged to be £500K+, international
dimension, specialist knowledge needed, numerous victims, fraud on public body, widespread
public concern
OR cases where children may be called as witnesses
The criminal courts:
Courts of the first instance: determine a D’s guilt (plea/trial) & have powers of sentencing
Magistrates’ Court [summary offences + either way offences (E-W) where D
consents]:
o All adults have 1st hearing at MC (children = Youth Court)
o 3 lay magistrates (“the bench”) + legal adviser OR a district judge
o All matters dealt (bail/plea/allocation/trial/admissibility/sentence)
o Sentencing powers = 6 months or less, max 12 months for 2 summary only offences +
Unlimited fines; Costs & make ancillary orders; Power to commit D for sentence at CC (E-
W)
Crown Court [E-W & indictable]:
o Presided over by a circuit judge, High Court judge or a recorder (part time judge)
o Judge responsible for all matters except determining guilt jury determines
Judge = arbiter of law; jury = arbiter of fact
o Jury can only decide guilt based on what’s HEARD in court
o Any admissibility arguments must be conducted without the jury
Sentencing powers: Imprisonment for maximum life; Unlimited fines; Costs & make ancillary
orders; Committals for sentence when G of E-W in MC
Appeal courts:
Supreme Court [point of law of general public importance]
Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) [no jury – doesn’t pass on sentence but can alter]
High Court [limited jurisdiction for criminal – “state a case”/JR decisions re bail]
Crown Court (hearing Magistrates’ Court appeals circuit judge + 2 lay magistrates)
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN CRIMINAL LITIGATION:
You can’t act for clients if you’re unable to act in their best interests and you can only take
instructions from the client/someone properly authorised to give instructions on their behalf
generally free to decide to take on – can refuse
If there is a conflict/significant risk of a conflict, you can’t act for all/likely any of them:
Exceptions not applicable to criminal litigation – must NEVER act
Interview clients separately to determine conflict
Cannot resolve conflict by instructing another firm or counsel to undertake advocacy on behalf
of one client – nor pass on to another member of your firm
You owe clients a duty of confidentiality forever [even after death], unless:
Client consents/when required by law (statute)
If you receive confidential info for one client need to seek consent to disclose to other client
(don’t have to consent) but cease acting if cannot
You owe clients a duty of disclosure:
Must inform clients of all material info possessed + refrain from acting if holding material info
for another client unless confidentiality can be protected – information barriers don’t apply here
You can’t mislead the court (acts & omissions)
Solicitors = officers of the court
If client insists on course of action that would/could mislead the court = must stop acting for
them
4
