“Court in the Act” - glossary

Lower Court

Magistrate’s Court

solicitor

Court Administration staff

charged with an offence

not charged with murder

deaf

stealing

spotted by a store detective

security man

denim jeans, jumper

suspected of stealing

reasonable force to detain him

store manager

listen to the facts

shirt counter

plastic carrier bag

wallet

too late

stolen goods

payment refused

policy of the store

Police Station

shop-lifter

confirmed deaf

“say nothing” until formal interview

new procedures

custody officer

explain his rights

allowed to decide/drop his interpreter/solicitor

“you do not have to say anything”

check every 30 minutes and recorded

“I need to caution you”

make a statement o give his own story

refuse to say anything

the day of the hearing

the accused person – the defendant

Court room

guilty

punishment

stipendiary magistrate (professionally qualified)

clerk advises the Magistrate

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

proceedings

probation officer

public gallery

Sentences: fine, community sentence, prison

remanding him for a Pre-Sentence Report (PSR)

due back by 10 o’clock

you are free to go