Criminal cases deal with alleged offences against the law. They are brought by an authorised official and decided by the Court.

Starting a criminal case

A criminal case begins when an authorised official files an accusation with the Court.

The accusation must:

• identify the defendant
• clearly state the alleged offence
• include a summary of evidence

For more information, see ‘Filing a criminal accusation’.

Initial hearing

The Court will notify the defendant and arrange an initial hearing.

At this hearing:

• the defendant enters a plea
• further proceedings are scheduled if needed

Hearings and evidence

Criminal cases are usually heard by a Judge.

Both sides may present evidence. The Court may control how evidence is submitted and presented.

Decision and sentencing

The Court decides whether the defendant is guilty based on the evidence.

If found guilty, the Court may impose a sentence that is proportionate to the offence.

For more information, see ‘Understanding court judgements and orders’.

Additional information

• The authorised official acts as the prosecutor
• Proceedings must be conducted fairly and according to law