Different Courtrooms

Understand how different UK courts operate and what to expect when attending each one. These articles cover magistrates, crown, family courts and various tribunals.

Information About Employment Tribunal

Employment tribunals hear cases on unfair dismissal, discrimination, redundancy, and workers' rights disputes across the UK.

Information About Mental Health Tribunals

Mental Health Tribunals are independent courts that decide whether detained patients should be released from hospital or can stay under the Mental Health Act.

Information About Parole Board Hearings

The Parole Board holds oral and paper hearings to decide if prisoners can be released on licence or must stay in prison.

Information About Small Claim Courts

Small claims courts handle money disputes and property damage cases, with alternatives like mediation available before taking legal action.

Information About the Crown Court

Crown Court handles serious criminal cases in England and Wales, with trials before a judge and jury.

Information About the Magistrates Court

Most criminal cases in England and Wales are heard in Magistrates Courts, which are run by volunteer judges called Justices of the Peace.

Information About the Royal Courts of Justice

The Royal Courts of Justice in London houses the High Court and Court of Appeal, handling civil disputes, family matters, and appeals for England and Wales.

Information About the Youth Court

Young people aged 10-17 usually go to youth court for minor offences, though serious crimes may be heard in higher courts.

The European Court of Human Rights

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg handles human rights breaches and works to protect democracy and the rule of law across Europe.

The Supreme Court Explained

The UK's highest court handles the most important legal cases, but only if permission is granted and there's a point of law at stake.

What Happens at an Immigration Hearing?

An immigration hearing is an appeal after your UK visa, asylum, or residency application is refused, heard by judges with no jury present.

What Happens at the Coroner's Court?

When someone dies unexpectedly or in unusual circumstances, a coroner investigates the cause and holds an inquest to determine what happened.

What Happens at the Family Court?

Find out what to expect when you attend a family court hearing, from arrival procedures to the types of cases heard.