ARU London MOD009398 Criminal Practice and Evidence (SQE1 FLK2)

In this episode, we introduce our final topic - youth court procedure. In addition to considering the youth court's jurisdiction, we will develop greater knowledge of the differences between the youth court and the (adult) Magistrates' Court, as well as considering the aims of the Youth Justice System.

In this episode, we introduce the topic of criminal appeals in England and Wales. In addition to understanding some alternatives to appeal, we consider procedure contained within the Criminal Procedure Rules relevant to appeals against conviction and/ or sentence by Magistrates' Courts, before we consider the appeal powers of the Crown Court as well as appeals to the High Court by way of case stated and appeals from the Crown Court to the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal.

In this episode, we introduce the topic of sentencing. In addition to understanding how offences may be aggravated or mitigated (based on the facts of the offence), we consider how the Sentencing Guidelines operate. We discuss the difference between concurrent and consecutive setences as well as considering types of sentence which may be imposed by criminal courts in England and Wales, plus the purpose of Pre-Sentence Reports ('PSRs').

In this episode, we introduce the topic of English and Welsh criminal trial procedure.

We consider textbook authority when examining fundamental matters such as witness competence and compellability, special measures, judicial modes of address and criminal trial etiquette. We will also consider the stages of criminal trials, including case law principles applicable to 'half-time submissions' of no case to answer before developing our knowledge of the differences between examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination of witnesses at trial.

In this episode, we explore the expansive topic of criminal evidence. After considering fundamentals such as the criminal burden and standard of proof, we consider a range of principles and procedures to admit or exclude evidence including visual identification evidence, hearsay, confessions and character evidence.

In this episode, we introduce the topics of case management and pre-trial hearings. We begin by considering some of the most common case management powers exercised by Magistrates before considering the nature of plea and trial preparation hearings. We also consider statutory obligations regarding disclosure applicable to prosecution and defence.

In this episode, we introduce plea before venue and allocation.

We explore the prosecution's obligation to provide initial details of the prosecution case, before developing greater knowledge of the factors involved in advising clients on plea and trial venue. We also develop our knowledge of the procedure used on: the defendant entering a guilty plea, and (alternatively); allocation of business between the Magistrates' Court and Crown Court.

In this episode, we introduce the initial stage of criminal court proceedings, known as "first appearance".

We consider how criminal offences are classified by statute. We also develop our knowledge of how to apply for Representation Orders (for defendants who are eligible to receive publicly funded legal advice and assistance), as well as the procedure used when the defendant first appears before the Magistrates' Court.

In this episode, we introduce the topic of bail. We begin by developing our understanding of the legal principles contained in statute before considering conditions which can be attached to a defendant's bail to mitigate concerns held by police and the CPS. Finally, we introduce the procedure for making a bail application in the Magistrates' Court.

In this episode, we introduce the first aspect of criminal practice: advising clients at police stations.

We consider rights of suspects detained by police, including the procedure which should be followed by police following a suspect's arrival at the police station. We also explore some important rights of suspects detained by police for questioning and additional matters which must be taken into account when representing a vulnerable person (including juveniles).