Is District Court the same as magistrate?

There are some differences between Local Court and District Court. The main difference is that Local Court is heard by a magistrate with lawyers appearing for accused people, with no jury. District Court is when Judges, Barristers and juries play their role. The magistrate is therefore decider of both fact and law.

What type of cases are heard in magistrate court?

Magistrates deal with three kinds of cases:

• Summary offences. These are less serious cases, such as motoring offences and minor assaults, where the defendant is not usually entitled to trial by jury.
• Either-way offences.
• Indictable-only offences, such as murder, manslaughter, rape and robbery.

Is magistrates court serious?

Nearly all criminal cases start in magistrates’ courts. The less serious offences are handled entirely in the magistrates’ court, in fact more than 95\% of all cases are dealt with in this way. More serious offences are transferred to the crown court, to be dealt with by a judge and jury.

Is magistrates court civil or criminal?

The Magistrates’ Court is the first step in a criminal case. Civil matters, such as family law cases, may also be heard here. There are normally three magistrates presiding, but notably there is no jury present unlike the Crown Court.

What sentences can magistrates Court give?

Sentencing in magistrates’ courts Magistrates have sentencing powers that allow them to impose a range of sentences, including unlimited fines, bans, community orders and up to six months’ custody for a single offence and 12 months in total.

Can public attend magistrates court?

A magistrates’ court is usually open to the public. People may sit quietly and listen at the back of the court.

What happens in a magistrates court?

At the Magistrates’ Court, your trial will be heard either by a District Judge or by a bench of lay Magistrates. The Magistrates or the District Judge decides on matters of law (for example whether evidence is admissible) and fact (for example have you done what the prosecution say you have done?).

What is a district judge in magistrates court?

District judges (magistrates’ courts) hear criminal cases, youth cases and also some civil proceedings in magistrates’ courts. They can be authorised to hear cases in the Family Court. Some are authorised to deal with extradition proceedings and terrorist cases.

What sentences can a magistrates court impose?

Do you have to attend magistrates court?

You need not attend if the Court has advised you that it is not necessary or if you’ve received documents enabling you to plead guilty in your absence. If you are summoned for certain minor offences, you may if you wish, plead guilty and have the case dealt with in your absence.

What happens at first hearing in magistrates court?

The first hearing will decide whether the severity of the offence(s) requires your case to be redirected to the Crown Court. Such offences are called ‘indictable only’ (such as murder and manslaughter) and can only be heard at the Crown Court.

What makes a judge different from a magistrate?

The differences between magistrate and judge can be drawn clearly on the following premises: A judge can be described as a person who arbitrates, i.e. A magistrate pass on judgement on small and minor cases. The jurisdiction covered by a magistrate is comparatively smaller than the jurisdiction of a judge. The judicial magistrate and chief judicial magistrate are appointed by high court while Governor appoints District Magistrate.

How many judges are on the district court?

More than 600 judges sit on district courts, almost 200 judges sit on courts of appeals, and 9 justices make up the Supreme Court. Because all federal judges have life terms, no single president will make all of these appointments.

What is the difference between a judge and a magistrate?

Difference between Magistrates and Judges. A magistrate is responsible for handling smaller and minor cases. In many countries, a magistrate is appointed by a judge, giving the judge a power over the magistrate. A magistrate serves a limited term; a full-time magistrate serves eight years, while a part-time magistrate serves four years.

What do district courts do?

District courts resolve disputes by determining the facts and applying legal principles to decide who is right. Trial courts include the district judge who tries the case and a jury that decides the case. Magistrate judges assist district judges in preparing cases for trial. They may also conduct trials in misdemeanor cases.