Legal Definitions - Crown Court

Definition: The Crown Court is a court in England that has the authority to hear serious criminal cases. It was established in 1971 and took over the criminal jurisdiction of the Assize Courts and all the jurisdiction of the Courts of Quarter Sessions.

Example: A person accused of murder would be tried in the Crown Court.

Explanation: The Crown Court has jurisdiction over serious criminal cases, such as murder, rape, and robbery. These cases are too serious to be heard in a Magistrates' Court, which only has limited powers. The Crown Court has the power to impose longer prison sentences and fines than a Magistrates' Court. Therefore, a person accused of a serious crime would be tried in the Crown Court.