Crown Court
Crown Courts handle serious criminal cases including indictable offences such as robbery, serious assault, and fraud. These courts also hear appeals from Magistrates Courts and conduct jury trials for more complex criminal matters.
England · general legal information
Understand your legal options in England
Call Jen, our AI assistant, for free general legal information at any time. Jen is not a solicitor and cannot give legal advice. If you want advice, you can separately request a £145 consultation with an independent solicitor, subject to availability and conflict checks.
Immediate danger? Call 999. If you are at a police station, ask the police for the duty solicitor; police-station legal advice is free.
The legal system
How the legal system works in England
England operates under a common law system with a hierarchical court structure including Magistrates Courts, Crown Courts, and Civil Courts. Solicitors in England are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and provide legal advice, representation, and advocacy services. The Legal Aid Agency administers legal aid funding, while the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) handles criminal prosecutions. This system forms the blueprint for many legal systems worldwide.
- Solicitor regulator
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- Legal aid body
- Legal Aid Agency
Courts and tribunals
Key courts in England
Magistrates Court
Magistrates Courts deal with summary offences and less serious criminal matters, including minor theft, traffic violations, and public disorder. They also handle preliminary hearings for more serious crimes before transferring them to Crown Court.
Civil Court
Civil Courts in England handle disputes between individuals and organisations, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and family matters. The County Court and High Court manage different levels of civil proceedings based on claim value and complexity.
Choose a topic
Legal information for England
Criminal lawArrest, police interviews and court proceedings→Family lawSeparation, children and financial arrangements→Employment lawDismissal, discrimination and tribunal time limits→Drink drivingLimits, procedure, penalties and urgent next steps→Immigration lawVisas, appeals, asylum and detention→Civil lawClaims, disputes and court procedure→
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Describe the issue in your own words and receive general AI-generated information and relevant next steps.
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Check the right route
Use official services where appropriate, including emergency services, police-station duty solicitors and legal-aid resources.
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If you want a solicitor, request a £145 consultation. Matching depends on availability, jurisdiction, expertise and conflict checks; it is not guaranteed.
Common questions
Legal questions in England
Am I eligible for legal aid in England?
Legal aid eligibility in England depends on your financial circumstances and case type. The Legal Aid Agency assesses applications based on income, assets, and merits of your case. Certain serious criminal cases receive automatic legal aid coverage.
What should I do if I'm arrested in England?
If arrested in England, you have the right to free legal advice and to inform someone of your arrest. Request a solicitor immediately and exercise your right to remain silent until legal representation arrives. Don't sign anything without legal advice.
What happens if I'm charged with drink driving in England?
Driving or attempting to drive while over the legal limit can lead to a minimum 12-month disqualification, an unlimited fine and up to six months' imprisonment. Penalty and procedure depend on the offence and facts. Check GOV.UK's current drink-driving penalties and obtain advice from a qualified solicitor before entering a plea.
How does family law work in England?
Family law in England covers divorce, child custody, financial settlements, and domestic violence proceedings. Cases are typically heard in Family Court with mediation often required before court proceedings. Legal advice is essential for protecting your interests and children's welfare.
What employment rights do I have in England?
England's employment law provides rights including minimum wage, statutory sick pay, holiday entitlement, and protection against unfair dismissal. Employment tribunals handle workplace disputes, with strict time limits for claims, making early legal advice essential.
How does the Magistrates Court process work in England?
Magistrates Courts in England handle most criminal cases with lay magistrates or district judges presiding. Proceedings include plea entry, case management, and sentencing. Legal representation significantly improves outcomes even for minor offences due to complex legal procedures.
How does English law differ from Scottish and Northern Irish law?
English law forms a separate legal jurisdiction from Scotland and Northern Ireland, with different court structures, legal procedures, and some distinct laws. Solicitors qualified in England can only practice English law unless separately qualified elsewhere.
These answers are general information, not advice about your circumstances. Rules and time limits can change.
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