DEFINITIONS and ABBREVIATIONS

On Indictment: In the Crown court, before a judge and jury

Summarily : before magistrates

Either way offence: an offence triable either on indictment or summarily. The accused has an absolute right to opt for trial by jury if he so wishes. The magistrates may refer such a case to the Crown Court if they deem it serious enough.

Common Law : Judge made law

Statutory Law : Legislation created in Parliament

Precedent : Ruling on the law by a higher court, which binds any court below. Only the High Court or above has the power to make a precedent.

CPS : Crown Prosecution Service
PCA : Police Complaints Authority
PACE : Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
CJA : Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
ECHR : European Convention on Human Rights
back to index