Justice System

Courts, prisons, probation and the criminal justice system

Comprehensive information on all aspects of the legal system can be found on the Criminal Justice Service website and the Directgov website.

Introduction to the Judicial System|

Directgov information on The UK's 3 legal systems and 3 systems of criminal justice.

Jury Service|

Information for Citizens called to serve as as Jurors.

Criminal justice|

Find out how an offender is prosecuted within the criminal court system.

Sentencing and appeals|

Discover the various sentences that courts can impose and how those sentenced can appeal.

Young offenders|

Learn how offenders under the age of 18 are dealt with in the courts.

Courts, Judiciary and Legal Profession|

Find out how the system of judges and barristers is structured.

Other criminal justice agencies|

Discover how the police, national crime bodies, the probation service and prison service work.

Prisons and Probation|

Directgov links to prison and probation service websites.

Civil justice|

Learn how civil disputes, such as family and business matters, are dealt with by the judicial system.

Courts|

Discover the system of courts where civil disputes, such as business and family matters, are handled.

Proceeding with a claim|

Find out how judges assign civil claims to the appropriate court.

To get advice

If you are looking for legal advice, please visit the Community Legal Service Direct website. The Advice Search facility will enable you to obtain legal information from over 300 sites. The Directory facility will allow you to find the closest provider for the category of law with which you need help within the borough.