Courts of Law

On this page: Information about the two courts of law in Swindon.

Magistrates' Court

What a Magistrates' Court Does

• Hear, and make judgements on, criminal cases and some non-criminal/civil cases

• Deal with around 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales

Swindon Magistrates' Court

Crown Court

What a Crown Court Does

Crown Courts hold trials by jury for the most serious crimes. They also hear appeals against convictions and sentences by Magistrates Courts. When appealing against conviction, the Crown Court judge re-hears all the evidence that witnesses have already given in the lower court, but there is no jury.

Swindon Crown Court