英国政治 英文介绍.pptVIP

Lecture 6 Political System II Judicial System The Constitution Britain has no written constitution. (The only two countries without written constitutions: Israel and the U.K.) Much of the constitution is based on unwritten customs and rules called conventions. And it is embodied in a number of separate laws. the main sources of law include: Common Law 习惯法 Statute Law (Acts of Parliament)成文法 European Community Law (economic and social matters) English Law has a long history, much of it being derived from what is called “common law”. This is law as decided by judges, their decisions in cases being arrived at after considering the customs and practices of the people involved. The other kind of law, statute law, is law made by Parliament. Court system in England and Wales Criminal Courts (in England and Wales) Magistrates’ Courts: the less serious offences and the vast majority of criminal cases (theft, the less serious cases of burglary and some assaults) Youth Courts: most cases involving people under 18 The Crown courts: tries the most serious offences (murder, manslaughter, rape and robbery) Civil Courts 1.Magistrates’ Courts 2.County Courts (contract, mortgage, race and sex discrimination, divorce cases and other family matters 3.High Court Inside the Court Nobody is above the law The criminal law presumes the innocence of the accused until he has been proved guilty beyond reasonable doubt All criminal trials are held in open court In criminals by jury, the judge passes sentence but the jury decides the issue of guilt or innocence. The Jury: consists of 12 lay people selected at random. Anybody who is a householder between the age of 18-70 can be called to serve at any time. The jury decides whether an accused person is guilty in most criminal trials. Judges: Most appointed by the Queen on the advice of the PM. Except for the Lord Chancellor all judges are independent of the political system. Magistrates 治安官：Lay people who are respected and responsible members o