Copyright …  Strode’s College Laws students are free to make use of this ‘Pdf Print files’ for study purposes (they should print them off and take them to class).  Others should ask before copying or using these ‘Pdf Print Files’.  Copyright of Dr Peter Jepson -

Law Revision by Dr Peter Jepson Turn off your mobile phone. Do NOT chat while a Lecture is being delivered. Please raise your hand if you have a question.

Imagine … Harry takes my laptop, thinking it will help him pass his law exam.  CCTV cameras show him leaving the premises with my laptop in his hand.  Harry admits to “appropriating College property with an intention to permanently deprive” and I call the police.

The Police Arrive …  The Police talk to everyone involved and Harry says “I sold it to some geezer in a pub for £20” – offering the money and refusing to answer any more questions.  What is likely to happen next?

What will happen at the police station (assume that Harry is just 18)?  Locked up – with no food and water till he talks?  Given a free cup of tea, some food, a bed and invited to have a free chat with a solicitor?  Released after 24 hours?  Remanded in Prison without access to the Courts or a solicitor?  Anything else?

What’s a solicitor?  What qualifications are needed to become a solicitor?  What do they do?  How could a solicitor help Harry?  How could Harry pay for a solicitors services in relation to a criminal charge of theft?

Assuming that Harry is charged with theft …  Which court will he be referred to?  What issues will the court deal with?  Assuming that Harry cannot afford the cost of a solicitor – will he therefore get help?

Triable-either-way  Which court will hear the case?  What is the difference between a Magistrate’s Court and a Crown Court?  Isn’t it illogical to allow ill-informed and legally ignorant jury members to decide important criminal cases?

Crown Court  Who determines guilt? - Judge or Jury and to what standard?  Must the jury be unanimous in its verdict?  What does the barrister do?  How do you qualify to be a barrister?  How do you become a crown court judge?

The Crown Court Judge  Describe the judge for me…  White?  Male?  Middle-class?  Communist?  Education?  Is s/he a superior judge?

Appeal route  If the case is heard in the M’s Court – what would be the route of appeal?  If the case is heard in the Crown Court – what is the route of appeal?  Supposing Harry is found guilty and sent to prison – would that be the end of the matter?  What kind of sentence should he get?

Civil Case  Could the College bring a claim against Harry for the value of the laptop?