Every criminal case moves through a structured sequence of stages, and a solicitor who understands that sequence can advise a client on where their case stands, what comes next, and what options are open at each turn. The shape is broadly the same in both the magistrates' court and the Crown Court, with the Crown Court adding extra steps — and knowing how venue, burden, disclosure and procedure fit together is what lets you act confidently for a defendant at any point.
This lesson takes you through the process in order:
- Foundations and Venue — how offences are classified and how that decides which court hears the case.
- Burden and Standard of Proof — who must prove what, and to what standard.
- Disclosure and Case Management — the duties to disclose material and prepare the case for trial.
- Plea, Jury and Evidence — arraignment, empanelling a jury, and the rules for calling and testing evidence.
- No Case to Answer and Silence — halting a weak case and what a defendant's silence can mean.
- Closing, Summing Up and Verdict — closing speeches, directions, majority verdicts and disputed-fact hearings.
- Special Measures and Trials in Absence — protecting vulnerable witnesses and trying a defendant who is not there.
- Abuse of Process and Open Justice — the safeguards that keep trials fair and public.