English legal system
Judges
Who is bound?
Supreme court: not bound by its own decisions
and is free to create new law
Court of appeal: bound by its previous decisions and supreme
court
High court: bound by supreme court and court of appeal
decisions but not by high court decisions
Crown, magistrates, county: decisions here are not binding
on any court. Bound by all above.
Magistrates court
Exercise summary criminal jurisdiction (no need for jury)
Decide on mode of trial for those which could fall under civil or criminal.
Exercise some civil jurisdiction (e.g. many family proceedings
Most criminal offences dealt with here! (95%)
Judges
Who is bound?
Supreme court: not bound by its own decisions
and is free to create new law
Court of appeal: bound by its previous decisions and supreme
court
High court: bound by supreme court and court of appeal
decisions but not by high court decisions
Crown, magistrates, county: decisions here are not binding
on any court. Bound by all above.
Magistrates court
Exercise summary criminal jurisdiction (no need for jury)
Decide on mode of trial for those which could fall under civil or criminal.
Exercise some civil jurisdiction (e.g. many family proceedings
Most criminal offences dealt with here! (95%)
