M3-1.5 FIRST APPEARANCE FOR INDICTABLE-ONLY OFFENCES
Instructions
1. Read the text and then complete the comprehension quiz to test your understanding.
2. If you prefer, you can listen to the video below.
Text
FIRST APPEARANCE FOR INDICTABLE-ONLY OFFENCES
What about indictable-only offences? Remember that indictable-only offences are the most serious offences such as murder and rape. These cases can only be tried in the Crown Court. However, they start with a very brief initial appearance in the magistrates' court. Here, the defendant is simply charged with the indictable offence, and the case is sent straight to the Crown Court. The defendant is given a date to appear at the Crown Court for the plea and trial preparation hearing, and the same procedure for the plea and trial preparation hearing in the Crown Court for either-way offences is followed. Then the defendant must await the trial.