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Courts and Procedure

Courts and Procedure can feel intimidating – but understanding the system makes it easier to take the right steps. Our articles explain what happens before, during, and after court, how to deal with the police, and what to do if you get a fine or penalty notice.

We cover civil and criminal cases, appeals, parking fines, tribunals, and your legal rights. Whether you’re going to court or just want to understand how it all works, we help you feel more informed and prepared.

Fines and Penalty Notices

This topic explains how fines are used as a penalty in UK courts for breaking the law. It covers how fines are decided, the process for paying them, and what happens if they are not paid on time. It also outlines your rights and options if you receive a fine.

Includes:

  • Council Tax and Benefits Penalties
  • Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)
  • NHS Penalty Charge Notices
  • Other Fines and Penalties
  • Parking Fines and Tickets
  • Speeding and Road-Traffic Fines

Civil Disputes

This topic covers the process of resolving civil disputes through the courts in the UK. It explains how individuals or businesses can take legal action when disagreements arise, such as over contracts, property, or personal injury. The information guides you through the steps involved, from making a claim to the court hearing and possible outcomes.

Includes:

  • Civil Court Case Types and Timelines
  • Claims Against Government and Public Bodies
  • Contracts and Consumer Disputes
  • Defamation, Libel and Slander
  • Negligence and Other Torts
  • Personal Injury and Accidents
  • ...and 1 more

Going to Court

This topic explains how courts in the UK work and the steps involved in legal cases. It covers the different types of courts, what happens during a court hearing, and how decisions are made. It helps you understand what to expect if you need to go to court or are involved in a legal dispute.

Includes:

  • Considering Going to Court
  • Court Costs, Fees and Funding
  • Court Day: Attending a Hearing or Trial
  • Defending Against a Claim
  • Preparing to Go to Court
  • Settling Your Case
  • ...and 2 more

After a Court Decision

This topic covers what happens after a court case has finished, including how to understand the court’s decision, options for appealing the judgment, and steps to enforce the court’s order. It also explains how to handle any further legal actions or paperwork needed once the case is over.

Includes:

  • Changing or Cancelling a Court Order
  • Collecting Your Sealed Order or Judgment
  • Enforcing a Court Judgment

Appeals and Tribunals

This topic explains how appeals work in the UK legal system, including the process of challenging decisions made by courts or tribunals. It covers the steps involved in appealing, the types of cases that can be appealed, and the role of different courts and tribunals in reviewing decisions. The aim is to help people understand their rights and options if they want to question a legal ruling.

Includes:

  • Civil Court Appeals
  • Criminal Appeals
  • Small Claims Appeals
  • Tribunal Appeals

Dealing with Police

This topic covers how the police operate within the UK legal system, including their powers to stop, search, arrest, and question individuals. It also explains what happens after police involvement, such as the process of charging someone and how cases move through the courts. The aim is to help people understand their rights and what to expect when dealing with the police and the criminal justice system.

Includes:

  • Arrest and Detention by Police
  • Complaints and Police Misconduct
  • Police Disclosure to Family
  • Police Interviews and Statements
  • Police Seizure of Your Property and Evidence
  • Search and Entry of Premises
  • ...and 1 more

Criminal Cases

This topic explains how criminal cases are handled in UK courts, including the different types of courts involved and the steps in the legal process. It covers what happens from the moment someone is charged with a crime through to trial and sentencing. The aim is to help you understand how the criminal justice system works and what to expect if you are involved in a criminal case.

Includes:

  • Bail and Release Conditions
  • Crown Court Trials and Sentencing
  • Magistrates’ Court Process
  • Pleas, Guilty Pleas and Offers
  • When Charges Are Dropped

Human and Civil Rights

This topic covers your legal rights when dealing with courts and the procedures involved in legal cases in the UK. It explains how the court system works, what to expect during hearings, and the protections you have to ensure a fair process. Understanding these rights helps you navigate the legal system confidently and know what you are entitled to throughout your case.

Includes:

  • Challenging a Council or Government Decision
  • Discrimination
  • Human Rights Claims
  • Privacy and Data Protection

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