Summary
The Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 governs the jurisdiction and procedure of magistrates' courts in England and Wales, including summary trial, committal proceedings, and sentencing powers.
Key Points
- Jurisdiction — magistrates' courts try summary offences and either-way offences where allocation is to summary trial
- Mode of trial procedure for either-way offences (ss.17-23)
- Maximum sentencing power — 6 months' imprisonment for a single either-way offence (12 months when implemented)
- Committal for sentence to Crown Court where magistrates' powers are insufficient
- Time limit — information for summary-only offence must be laid within 6 months (s.127)
- Civil jurisdiction including family proceedings and licensing