Swindon Magistrates' Court

What a Magistrates' Court Does

Magistrates' Courts in England:

1. Magistrate's Courts hear criminal trials
2. A Magistrate is also called a Justice of the Peace (JP)
3. Deal with almost 97% of all criminal cases
4. Six months is the maximum sentence given
5. Magistrates are often not legally qualified

Most of the public who come into contact with the court system will do so with the Magistrates' Court. They tend not to deal with 'headline grabbing' cases. They are, however, a vital cog in the wheel of justice, and nearly all of the UK's criminals will pass through their doors.

In a complex society, governed by a many rules, the Magistrates' Courts perform a fast and relatively cheap public service, handling everything from common assault to driving offences of varying types.

Swindon Magistrates' Court Address

Swindon Magistrates Court
Princes Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 2JB

DX: 118725 Swindon
Tel: 01793 699800
Fax: 01793 433740

Map showing Magistrates Court location (opens in a separate window)

Swindon Crown Court

What a Crown Court Does

Crown Courts are subtly different to Magistrates' Courts. In general they:

1. Crown Courts were officially set-up in 1972
2. Crown Courts sit at 90 centres across England and Wales
3. About 25% of defendants plead not guilty
4. Crown Courts hear appeals from sentences handed out in Magistrates' Courts
5. It holds trial by jury for the most serious crimes

The Crown Court deals with all serious offences triable before a judge and jury, and these include murder, rape, serious assault, kidnapping, conspiracy, fraud, armed robbery, and Official Secrets Act offences.

Swindon is just one of more than 90 Crown Court centres throughout England and Wales. These centres are divided into six 'circuits'.

The Crown Court is also the appeal court against convictions and sentences by Magistrates. When appealing against conviction, the Crown Court judge re-hears all the evidence that witnesses have already given in the lower court, but there is no jury.

Swindon Crown Court Address

Swindon Crown Court
The Law Courts
Islington Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 2HG

DX: 98430 Swindon 5
Tel: 01793 690500
Fax: 01793 690535

Map showing Combined Court location (opens in a separate window)