The Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist Handbook

CHAPTER 8 The courtroom process

CHAPTER SUMMARY

This chapter will commence by explaining the workings of Her Majesty’s Court Service and the different types of courts, including describing the typical layout of a magistrates’ court and a Crown Court. The roles of the judiciary, court officials and lay persons will be discussed. The actions a Counter Fraud Specialist is required to take before attending court to ensure that they are fully prepared when required to give evidence will be identified. The principles of advocacy will be outlined and the experience of being cross-examined by a solicitor or counsel will be described. The chapter will conclude by explaining the process for obtaining warrants within the magistrates’ court.

INTRODUCTION

English law is the legal system of England and Wales and is the basis of the common law legal systems used in most Commonwealth countries and the United States (as opposed to codified or multiple systems in other countries, such as Scots Law). It was exported to Commonwealth countries during the period of the British Empire, and it forms the basis of the jurisprudence (legal theory) of most of those countries. English law that existed prior to the American Revolution still forms part of the law of the United States, and provides the basis for many American legal traditions and policies, though it has no superseding jurisdiction. ...