Are criminal case files public record?
Are criminal case files public record?
The public is allowed to look at court records for most cases. However, there are some court records the public is not allowed to see. This happens when a law or court order makes a record confidential. Court records for these cases are not available to the public.
Can anyone sit in on a trial?
Can anyone sit in a courtroom? Most court trials are open to the public, so even if you aren’t a party or a witness, you can walk right in and sit right down unless the judge orders otherwise. Parties, their attorneys and witnesses always have the right to attend a court trial.
What does a police mention in court mean?
When you get your Court Attendance Notice (CAN), it will tell you what court you have to go to and the time and date that you must be there. This first time that you go to court is called a ‘mention’. The purpose of the mention is for the court to find out whether you want to plead guilty or not guilty.
What happens at a first mention?
A court mention or directions hearing usually marks the beginning of the court process. Attending this directions hearing will likely be the first time you attend court in this process. At the first hearing, the court will give directions regarding the further steps to be taken in the case.
How do you read a case name?
Understanding case citationsnames of the parties (with a v in between)identifying date or volume number of report series, or both.abbreviation for the law report series title.page number at which the case begins.
What is a first mention in court?
The First Appearance A court mention will generally be the first point of your interaction with the courts. For criminal proceedings, the first time that you go to court is called a ‘mention’. The purpose of the mention is for the court to find out whether you want to plead guilty or not guilty.
What happens after a contest mention?
The contest mention hearing gives the Court the opportunity to ask the parties about whether the case can be resolved without the need for a summary contested hearing. If the accused at this stage: maintains a not guilty plea, the Court will adjourn the matter to a summary contested hearing date.
What does a bond hearing mean?
That’s why it’s important to hire a lawyer quickly and have the lawyer schedule a bond hearing, which is a hearing where a Judge will decide whether or not you should be released pending trial. At the bond hearing, a Judge will decide whether or not to grant you a bond.
What is summary hearing?
Summary hearing — A summary hearing is a procedure in the magistrates court for summary offences and some indictable offences. The court hears the police evidence and any evidence you wish to call about your offence so the magistrate can decide whether you are guilty or not guilty.
What is the difference between hearing and trial?
The court generally only allows witnesses at trial, not at hearings. At hearings, the court relies on written declarations and your arguments. Hearings can determine temporary, agreed, or some procedural matters. The trial is where you give evidence and arguments for the judge to use in making a final decision.
What is an example of a summary Offence?
Examples of summary offences are disorderly behaviour, driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug and minor criminal damage to property. People charged with summary offences cannot be tried by juries even if they would prefer it.
What is summary suit procedure?
Summary suit or summary procedure is provided under order XXXVII of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. The summary suit is a unique legal procedure used for enforcing a right in an efficacious manner as the courts pass judgement without hearing the defence.
