The administration of justice in Britain is independent of both Parliament and the Government. Every citizen has the right to equal treatment before the law. People accused of more serious crimes are tried in open court by a judge and jury. Less serious cases are tried by law magistrates.
Fines, probation or imprisonment may be imposed on a convicted person. There is a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for murder throughout Britain. Life imprisonment is the maximum sentence of a number of other serious offences, such as robbery, rape and manslaughter.
England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have their own legal systems.
England and Wales
Responsibilities for the administration and management of the legal system are divided between various government departments and agencies, including:
The is the head of the judiciary. The Lord Chancellors Department has overall responsibility for the court system, including the Supreme Court and the county courts in England and Wales.
The has overall responsibility for criminal law, the police service, the prison system and the probation service.
Scotland
The legal system in Scotland has legal principles, rules and concepts that are modelled both on Roman and English law.
The is responsible for civil law and criminal justice, including police, prisons and courts administration.
The role of the is to make laws in relations to devolved matters in Scotland.
Northern Ireland
Northern Irelands legal system is similar to that of England and Wales. The under the Secretary of State, has responsibility for policy and legislation concerning criminal law, the police and the penal system.
The web site provides extensive links to additional legal and judicial government organisations.
