NCTJ - Media Law - Court Reporting Question and answers rated A+

NCTJ - Media Law - Court Reporting Question and answers rated A+NCTJ - Media Law - Court Reporting Name the three levels of crimes magistrates courts deal with - correct answer Summary offences - heard by the magistrates Either-way offences - Can stay in Magistrates or go to Crown Court Indictable-only - MUST be heard by Crown court, and usually only have an initial appearance before mags. What are Magistrate's powers? - correct answer Can sentence a person for up to 6 months for a single offence and a total of 12 months for more than one offence *if the sentences are to run consecutively* In the past magistrates could fine up to £5,000 but now there's no cap. Can also impose suspended prison orders, absolute discharge, conditional discharge and community orders How is bail decided by magistrates? - correct answer - It's assumed in law that most of the time bail should be granted