Court Hierarchy

The court system in England and Wales is arranged in a hierarchy, meaning that some courts have more authority than others. This structure ensures consistency, allows for appeals, and supports the doctrine of precedent (where lower courts are bound by decisions of higher courts). The hierarchy divides into two main branches: civil courts and criminal courts, each with distinct jurisdictions and appeal routes.

Civil Court Hierarchy

1. County Court

Most civil cases begin here. These include contract disputes, negligence claims, land law issues, and family matters. Cases are allocated to one of three “tracks” depending on value and complexity:

Small claims (under £10,000)
Fast track (£10,000–£25,000)
Multi-track (over £25,000 or complex cases)

2. High Court

The High Court hears more complex or high-value civil cases and is divided into three divisions:

King’s Bench Division (KBD): contract, tort, and judicial review.
Chancery Division: property, trusts, company, and insolvency law.
Family Division: complex family matters such as adoption or child abduction.

3. Court of Appeal (Civil Division)

Hears appeals from the High Court and, in some cases, from the County Court and certain tribunals. Decisions here are binding on lower courts.

4. Supreme Court

The highest court in the United Kingdom. It hears appeals on points of law of general public importance. Its decisions bind all other courts.

Criminal Court Hierarchy

1. Magistrates’ Court

All criminal cases start here. Magistrates deal with summary offences (minor crimes) and some either-way offences (mid-range crimes) if the defendant agrees. They also handle preliminary hearings for indictable offences (serious crimes). Sentencing powers are limited to 6 months’ imprisonment per offence (or 12 months for multiple offences).

2. Crown Court

Deals with serious criminal cases, either-way offences sent for trial and all indictable offences. It also hears appeals from the Magistrates’ Court. Cases are tried before a judge and jury.

3. Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)

Hears appeals from the Crown Court on conviction or sentence. Its rulings guide lower criminal courts and help develop case law.

4. Supreme Court

The final court of appeal for criminal cases involving important points of law. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts.

Tribunals and Other Bodies

Outside the formal court structure, tribunals deal with specialist areas such as employment, immigration, and tax. They are separate from the courts but still subject to appeal to the Upper Tribunal and then the Court of Appeal.

Google Sites

Report abuse