Going to court: what to expect

What happens in a magistrates' court?
Magistrates will listen to all the evidence and decide whether the person accused of the crime (the defendant) is guilty or not. If the defendant is convicted, or admits that he or she is guilty, the magistrates usually decide on the sentence.

The magistrates are often three local people. However, there may only be one magistrate who is a lawyer. In magistrates' court, the lawyers for the defence and prosecution do not wear wigs or gowns.