he main role of a Jury is to decide whether the defendant is innocent or guilty of the charge stated in a Crown Court trial. There are twelve people in a jury. Jury service is compulsory and not completing the duty is seen as contempt which could result in prosecution. A jury can reach a verdict based on individual principles, even if legislation would suggest the defendant is guilty. If a juror wasn’t to attend or broke confidentiality rules about the case; they will be found in contempt of court and face prosecution but most likely struck off the case.

There is also a court usher; whose role is to make sure that the court is efficient in the handling of its cases. This includes making sure everyone involved is present, preparing the courtroom for the hearings, leading the taking of oaths and being the main source of communication between lawyers and legal advisors.

As Miss.L. Holman has been charged with Grievous Bodily Harm, her case will begin at the Magistrates Court where the defendant will state her personal details and state her plea. It will very much depend on what severity the charge falls under; as s.20 is triable either waywhich is less severe, meaning a mode of trial hearing is required as the trial could be heard at either the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court. The mode of trial hearing will decide which court the trial will be heard at. Generally, a mode of trial hearing will only take place if the defendant pleads not guilty or refuses to plead. Although; if the charge is an s.18 GBH; the trial will certainly be heard at the Crown Court as it is an indictable offence; carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The first scenario will typically see a barrister take the case because of the complexities around the mode of trial. Either s.18 or s.20 GBH would typically see sentencing at the Crown Court as the sentencing guidelines for an s.20 state a starting point of 18 months imprisonment for all offenders for a Category 2 offence. The only way a magistrates can sentence is if a community order is required therefore a barrister is deemed appropriate. If the defendant wished to appeal; the next court would be the Court of Appeal however there must be reasonable interest in the case or reason to believe there was an error in judgement. For a defendant to be prosecuted of a section 18 offence; it must be proven by the prosecutor that there was an intention to seriously injure another person. This was shown in the R v Belfon [1976] case where the Court of Appeal wanted proof of the defendants’ specific intention of seriously injuring the victim. The defendant being reckless with his action or foreshadowing the events isn’t legitimate evidence to prove intent.