Review of the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland - CAIN

Review of Criminal Justice in Northern IrelandA Consultation PaperAnnex ETHE COURTSTRUCTURE IN NORTHERN IRELANDThe House of LordsFinal Court of Appeal inthe United Kingdom.Hears appeals on pointsof law in cases of majorimportance.The Court of AppealHears appeals on pointsof law in criminal andcivil cases from allcourts.The Crown CourtThe High CourtHears complex or important civil cases inthree Divisions and also appeals fromcounty courts.Queen’s Bench Chancery FamilyDivision Division DivisionCounty Courts(including Family Care Centres)(7 Divisions)Hear a wide range of civil actions andalso appeals from magistrates’ courtsSmall Claims CourtsHear consumer claims and minor civilcases.The Enforcement ofJudgments OfficeEnforces money andother judgments.Magistrates’ CourtsHears all serious criminalcases.(including Juvenile Courtsand Family Proceedings Courts)(21 Petty Sessions Districts)Conduct preliminary hearings in moreserious criminal cases. Hear anddetermine less serious criminal cases,cases involving juveniles and somecivil and domestic cases, includingfamily proceedings.Coroners’ CourtsInvestigate the circumstances of sudden,violent or unnatural deaths.43