West Hertfordshire Magistrates

An alleged offender is either ‘charged’ or ‘summoned’ to appear in court to answer an allegation. He/She is charged either by the police or in court.

Charge/Offence

Usually a Barrister of Solicitor who sits in front of the Magistrates in court He/She advises the Magistrates, organises the order of business for the day and has other duties

Clerk

When a defendant admits his/her guilt to the offence charged

Confession

An order sending a case to Crown Court for:Either: Trial if defendant’s Plea is ‘Not Guilty’ and chooses trial at Crown Court.
Or: Sentencing if Magistrates’ powers are insufficient.

Committal

A formal finding by a court that a person is guilty of an offence

Conviction

A B

C-Con

Cou-CPS

D

E

F

G

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A B

C-Con

Cou-CPS

D

E

F

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Glossary of Common Legal Terms

West Hertfordshire Magistrates

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