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Crown Court

Magistrates Court

Prosecution Barrister

In a crown court, it is the prosecution barrister whos court role is to show how the defendant has broken the law. Depending on the type of case, these barristers will wear a black gown and wig. It is the prosecution barrister's role to present enough convincing evidence against the defendant to the jury and ask witnesses for their account of events. If the evidence is not convincing, the jury must give a “not guilty” verdict. Barristers are lawyers who specialise in court level cases. You can usually tell who the barrister is by his specialty robes and wig which differ from that of a judge.

Court Administration

These people help with the day-to-day running of the courts and their supporting offices, deal with enquiries from the public, book dates and times for court hearings, allocate cases to courtrooms, prepare lists of the day's court sessions and keep ushers informed of these, and follow up the court's judgments after a hearing.

Defence Barrister

The UK law system's philosophy is that defendants are innocent until proven guilty. A defence barrister's court role is to represent the person accused of committing the crime and does not have to prove innocence. Like the prosecution barrister, they wear a black gown and wig in particular cases. Their role is to point out to the jury what is wrong with the prosecution’s arguments and why they are not convincing enough. A defence barrister’s arguments are called the ‘case for the defence’ and will try to offer other explanations and show innocence

Jury

The Jury appears in crown court cases and comprises of 12 random ordinary people chosen from a list who are eligible to vote in UK elections. The Jury decide if the defendant is guilty and must come to a decision after listening to all witnesses and arguments from the defence barrister and prosecution barrister. Every jury nominates one member to be a foreman. Their court role is being the spokesperson that the judge asks to deliver the jury’s decision to the court.

Magistrates

Magistrates are unpaid civil volunteers, otherwise called ‘Justices of the Peace’ and are in charge of the courtroom. They decide whether the person in court is ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ after hearing evidence from the prosecution and the defence. Unlike Judges in Crown courts, they wear ordinary clothes and do not wear traditional legal wigs or gowns.

Security Officers

Security Officers are responsible for control of access doors and gates to ensure that only authorised persons and vehicles are permitted access to court, conducting entry searches of all persons entering court buildings via public entrances, and preventing and dealing with security incidents. All court security officers must be trained, appointed and designated in accordance with the Courts Act 2003.

Court Ushers

These are often the first point of contact and are responsible for preparing the courtroom, checking that witnesses, defendants and lawyers are present, calling defendants and witnesses into court and administering oaths. ‘Sworn Ushers’ are also responsible for escorting the jury to and from the courtroom, being on duty outside the jury room and taking messages between the jury and the judge.

Court Enforcement Officer

These are people responsible for enforcing Magistrates Court orders, which may require them to seize and sell the offender’s goods to recover outstanding debts. They may also be required to execute warrants of arrest, committal, detention and warrants for the collection of unpaid rent.

Court Clerks

The Clerk is responsible for assisting the judge and managing the courtroom, ensuring it runs smoothly and that everyone is in the right place at the right time. The clerk implements any updates and informs the judge and prepares all the case papers for the judge to make sure they are fully prepared for court.

Legal Advisors

These are qualified barristers or solicitors who provide advice to magistrates on applicable laws and judicial procedures. They also ensure that court proceedings run smoothly and explain procedures to defendants and witnesses in order to avoid disruptions. Additional responsibilities include managing administrative matters and setting up hearing schedules

Solicitor

In a criminal case, the solicitor has the responsibility of assigning Barristers to the case while acting as their advisor. A solicitor must be highly organised and familiar with each case they work on. Solicitors deal with all the paperwork and communication involved with their clients' cases, such as writing documents, letters and contracts tailored to their client's needs; ensuring the accuracy of legal advice and procedure, and preparing papers for court

Judge

A judge wears a traditional white wig and black gown and is in charge of the trial’s fairness. A judge's court role is to make sure the trial is presented clearly. Witnesses can speak to the court, and the judge will settle arguments between barristers about what that law is. Judges also make sure the jury understands what the law is and advise them if necessary. They decide what the sentence of a guilty defendant should be. A district judge in a youth or magistrates court won’t wear a traditional gown and wig. This is in Crown Court only.

Citizens Advice

Differnt Court Types

Courts and Tribunals

Addtional Links

The Press

Court reporters work for either the local or national press, radio, TV and online reports. Court reporters are forbidden to take any photographs in the courtroom. They are, however, entitled to sketch drawings and ask anyone for comment, apart from magistrates.