Terrill: World Criminal Justice Systems: A Comparative Survey


Case Studies

Chapter 1: England

Joe Pattinson is a 25-year-old English student at Oxford University in Great Britain. One Saturday night, after an evening out with friends, he went home with his girlfriend. Joe and his girlfriend proceeded to get into a fight about his inability to pick up after himself around the house. Joe proceeded to push his girlfriend down and violently beat her. He left the apartment while she was still on the floor unconscious.

Joe returned the next morning to find his girlfriend dead from her injuries. He attempted to hide the body in the apartment. However, the police showed up later that day because her friends knew the couple had been fighting and they had not been able to reach her. The police found the body and arrested Joe.

The evidence against Joe was quite overwhelming. His girlfriend had clearly died from blood loss and brain swelling due to the beating he had given her. Friends were also able to give statements as to the fact that they had been arguing that evening. Joe is now in custody and preparing for trial in England.

Questions

  1. What court in England would hear this case and why?

    Correct Answer

    Crown Courts handle all major criminal cases in England.

  2. Who would prepare this case for trial, and who would present this case during trial in this court?

    Correct Answer

    A solicitor would prepare the case for trial, and a barrister would present the case during trial.

  3. What kind of judge would be assigned in this case, and would the trial consist of a jury?

    Correct Answer

    There are three kinds of judges in Crown Courts. Judges from the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court are assigned to handle the most serious cases such as this one. Trials in Crown Courts are also heard by a judge and jury.

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