National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

Which court is primarily used for low-level crimes?

1. Crown Court

2. Magistrates Court

3. Family Court

4. High Court

The correct answer is: Magistrates Court

The Magistrates Court is primarily used for low-level crimes, handling a variety of cases including minor offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for more serious offenses. This court operates with magistrates, who are generally not legally trained but are advised by a legal clerk. The process in Magistrates Court is usually quicker and less formal than in higher courts, allowing for efficient resolution of smaller cases. The Crown Court typically deals with more serious criminal cases and appeals from Magistrates Court, while the Family Court focuses on family law issues such as custody disputes and divorce. The High Court handles the most serious criminal cases along with significant civil matters, making it unsuitable for low-level offenses. Therefore, the Magistrates Court is specifically designed to address the needs of lower-level criminal cases within the judicial system.