The Crown Court sits in about 94 centres in England and Wales, many of them consisting of several courtrooms. Appeals from the Crown Court are made to the Court of Appeal. A further appeal from the Court of Appeal to the House of Lords can be brought if a point of law of general public importance is considered to be involved. Most minor civil cases are dealt with by the county courts, of which there are about 270. Cases are heard by circuit judges or district judges.
Magistrates courts are the lowest tier of the criminal justice system.
Justice is delivered not by professional judges or lawyers, but by appointed representatives of the community, called Magistrates. Their main job is to deliver 'summary justice' to people charged with less serious crimes. They refer grave offences to the Crown Court. Solicitors undertake legal business for individual and corporate clients, while barristers advise on legal problems submitted through solicitors and present cases in the higher courts. Certain functions are common to both - for example, the presentation of cases in the lower courts.