The Judiciary and Criminal Courts
The judiciary in the UK is independent of government control.
- Magistrates' Court: Deals with over 90% of criminal cases in England and Wales. Cases are heard by unpaid voluntary magistrates (Justices of the Peace) or District Judges without a jury.
- The Crown Court: Deals with serious criminal offences (indictable offences like robbery or murder). Cases are presided over by a judge and tried by a jury of 12 randomly selected citizens.
- Scottish Courts: Scotland maintains an independent legal system with Justice of the Peace Courts, Sheriff Courts, and the High Court of Justiciary. Scottish criminal juries consist of 15 members. In new trials beginning on or after 1 January 2026, the verdicts are guilty or not guilty; the not proven verdict was abolished for those trials. Older handbooks may describe the former system.
- The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom: The final court of appeal for all civil cases in the UK and criminal cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Your Role and Responsibilities as a Citizen
- The Electoral Register: To vote in elections, you must be registered on the electoral register.
- Voting Age: 18 years old in UK parliamentary elections; 16 years old in Scottish and Welsh devolved parliament elections.
- Jury Service: In England and Wales, any person on the electoral register aged 18 to 75 can be summoned for jury service. Jury service is a mandatory civic duty unless formally excused.
- Paying Taxes: Employees normally pay applicable Income Tax and National Insurance through PAYE, subject to earnings thresholds and individual circumstances. Self-employed people may need to file a Self Assessment return.
- The Police: Independent law enforcement accountable to elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). Police officers carry warrant cards and can only stop or search citizens under statutory powers.