BPTC Criminal Litigation

Question 1

Under PACE 1984, how long may the police detain a suspect without charge before needing authorisation?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

12 hours

Answer

36 hours

Answer

48 hours

Question 2

Which court deals exclusively with summary offences?

Accepted Answer

Magistrates' Court

Answer

Crown Court

Answer

High Court

Answer

County Court

Question 3

What is the standard of proof required to convict in a criminal trial?

Accepted Answer

Beyond reasonable doubt

Answer

Balance of probabilities

Answer

Prima facie case

Answer

Clear and convincing evidence

Question 4

A 'either-way' offence can be tried in which courts?

Accepted Answer

Either the magistrates' court or the Crown Court

Answer

Only the Crown Court

Answer

Only the High Court

Answer

Either the Crown Court or the Court of Appeal

Question 5

Under the CPIA 1996, what is the prosecution's primary disclosure obligation?

Accepted Answer

To disclose unused material that might reasonably assist the defence or undermine the prosecution

Answer

To disclose all evidence it intends to rely on at trial

Answer

To serve all witness statements on the defence

Answer

To disclose the defendant's previous convictions

Question 6

What is the effect of a 'special measures direction' under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999?

Accepted Answer

It allows vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give evidence in a way that reduces the stress of court proceedings

Answer

It allows defendants with learning difficulties to have an intermediary

Answer

It excludes the public from the courtroom

Answer

It permits hearsay evidence from absent witnesses