... years. However, some cases in the Magistrates Courts are tried by professionally qualified full-time stipendiary magistrates. The Crown Court, tries more serious criminal cases, as well as hearing appeals from the Magistrates Courts. It sits in permanent centers throughout England and Wales each centre being designated as first, second or third tier, reflecting the seriousness of the offences tried. Trial of cases is by a jury of twelve people selected at random from the electoral register. They are directed on matters of law by a judge, who may be any one of High Court Judges, Circuit Judges, Recorders and Assistant Recorders (the latter two being part-time appointments). All of these have previously been solicitors or barristers and have been selected and appointed by the Lord Chancellor; they receive no training as they are assumed to have knowledge through their profession. The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) sits in London at the Royal ...

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