Life in the UK test questions on the courts
Most criminal cases start in a magistrates’ court, where unpaid magistrates decide the case without a jury; in Scotland the equivalent is the sheriff court. Serious cases go to the Crown Court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where a jury of 12 decides guilt, while a Scottish jury has 15 members. County courts deal with civil disputes such as debt.
Below are 7 free questions on the courts, taken from handbook section 5.15. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.
Practise the courts
- Questions
- 7
- Time limit
- No limit
- Pass mark
- 6 of 7 (75%)
Questions and answers on the courts
The same 7 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.
1. What is the role of the judiciary?
- To interpret the law and make sure trials are conducted fairly — correct answer
- To pass new Acts of Parliament
- To run the police service
- To elect the Prime Minister
Judges interpret the law and see that trials are fair. They are independent of government, so ministers cannot tell them how to decide a case. Handbook section 5.15.
2. What happens if you are summoned for jury service?
- You must attend unless you are not eligible or have a good reason to be excused — correct answer
- You may simply ignore the letter
- You may send a relative in your place
- You must pay a fee to take part
Jury service is a public duty. You must go unless you are ineligible or the court excuses you for a good reason such as serious illness. Handbook section 5.15.
3. Which court deals with civil disputes such as debt and breach of contract?
- The county court — correct answer
- The Crown Court
- The magistrates' court
- The youth court
County courts handle civil claims, including debt, personal injury and contract disputes. The most serious civil cases go to the High Court. Handbook section 5.15.
4. What is the equivalent of a magistrates' court in Scotland?
- The Justice of the Peace court — correct answer
- The Crown Court
- The county court
- The High Court
In Scotland minor criminal cases are heard in a Justice of the Peace court, with a Justice of the Peace sitting as the judge. Handbook section 5.15.
5. In Northern Ireland, who normally hears cases that magistrates would hear in England?
- A District Judge, who is legally qualified and paid — correct answer
- A jury of 12 members of the public
- A Justice of the Peace
- A Chief Constable
Northern Ireland uses paid, legally qualified District Judges for these cases rather than the volunteer magistrates found in England and Wales. Handbook section 5.15.
6. How many people sit on a jury in a Scottish criminal trial?
- 15 — correct answer
- 12
- 10
- 18
Scotland has its own legal system, and a criminal jury there has 15 members rather than the 12 used elsewhere in the UK. Handbook section 5.15.
7. Where is a criminal case against a person aged 10 to 17 normally heard in England and Wales?
- In a youth court, which the public may not attend — correct answer
- In an open Crown Court with a jury
- In the county court
- In the Supreme Court
Young people appear in a youth court before magistrates or a district judge. Members of the public are not admitted, and parents or carers are expected to attend. Handbook section 5.15.
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