Criminology · Year 13

Active learning ideas

The Court System and Trial Processes

This topic maps the hierarchy and functions of the criminal courts in England and Wales. Students distinguish between the Magistrates' Court, where all cases begin, and the Crown Court, where serious 'indictable' offences are tried by a judge and jury. Understanding this structure is essential for WJEC AC 2.2, as it dictates the journey of a defendant through the justice system.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• WJEC Level 3 AC 2.2 Describe trial processes
• WJEC Level 3 AC 2.3 Understand rules in relation to the use of evidence in criminal cases

• 30–45 min
• Small Groups
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Stations Rotation
• 45 min · Small Groups

Stations Rotation: Court Hierarchy

Set up stations for Magistrates', Crown, Appeal, and Supreme Courts. At each, students must identify the types of cases heard, the personnel present, and the maximum sentencing powers available.

What are the differences between Magistrates' and Crown Courts?

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Simulation Game
• 30 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: Plea Before Venue

Role-play an 'either-way' offence scenario. One student is the defendant, one the magistrate, and one the lawyer. They must navigate the process of deciding whether the case stays in the Magistrates' or goes to the Crown Court.

How does the appeals process function in England and Wales?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 03

• Inquiry Circle
• 40 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Appeals Process

Provide a case that resulted in a conviction. Groups must research the grounds for appeal (e.g., new evidence or a misdirection by the judge) and determine which court would hear the appeal.

What happens during a typical criminal trial?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

---

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• All criminal cases are heard by a jury.

  Over 95% of criminal cases are completed in the Magistrates' Court without a jury. Using a station rotation activity helps students visualize the massive volume of work handled by Magistrates compared to the Crown Court.

• The Supreme Court is where most criminal trials happen.

  The Supreme Court only hears cases involving significant points of law. It is an appellate court, not a trial court. Mapping the 'journey of a case' helps students see that the Supreme Court is the very end of a long legal road.

---

Methods used in this brief

• Stations Rotation
• Simulation Game
• Inquiry Circle