Define: Crown Cases

Crown cases refer to legal cases in which the government, represented by the Crown, is the prosecuting party. These cases typically involve criminal offenses committed against the state or its citizens.

Crown cases involve criminal offences, while civil cases deal with disputes between individuals or entities. In Crown cases, the government seeks to punish the offender, whereas in civil cases, the aim is to resolve the dispute and provide compensation if necessary.

The Crown is represented by a prosecutor, usually a lawyer from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or the Attorney General’s office. They present the case against the accused and seek a conviction.

In Crown cases, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. They must prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution fails to meet this standard, the accused is entitled to an acquittal.

Yes, the Crown has the discretion to drop charges in a Crown case. This can happen if new evidence emerges that weakens the case, if it is determined that the charges are not in the public interest to pursue, or if the accused agrees to cooperate in another investigation.

Yes, the accused has the right to appeal a conviction in a Crown case. They can appeal on various grounds, such as errors in law during the trial or new evidence that was not available at the time of the trial.

In certain circumstances, the Crown can seek a retrial if the accused is acquitted in a Crown case. This can happen if new evidence emerges that was not available during the original trial or if there was a procedural error that affected the fairness of the trial.

In Crown cases, a jury is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the accused. The jury listens to the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence and then deliberates to reach a verdict.

No, the death penalty has been abolished in most countries, including those with a common law legal system. Therefore, the accused cannot be sentenced to death in a Crown case. The maximum penalty will depend on the specific offense and the laws of the jurisdiction.