How court interpreters help defendants follow a trial
A defendant who cannot understand the language of the court cannot take a full part in their own trial. Court interpreters help close that gap, under rules that protect the right to a fair trial.
Court Procedure Basics
Court procedure explained plainly: pleas, pre-trial hearings, bail, disclosure and the standard of proof, with notes on how legal systems differ around the…
Reporting restrictions: what courts stop the press publishing
Courts in England and Wales can limit what the media publishes about a case. This guide explains the main types of reporting restriction, why they exist and what happens if they are breached.
Charge, indictment, information: how a criminal case begins
A criminal case starts with a formal accusation, but the document and the process differ by system. This guide explains charges, indictments and informations, and the role of the grand jury.
Guilty, not guilty, no contest: what a plea means in a criminal court
A criminal plea is the defendant's formal answer to a charge. This guide explains what guilty, not guilty and no contest pleas mean and how each shapes what happens next.
What happens at a pre-trial hearing: bail, disclosure and dates
A pre-trial hearing settles how a criminal case will proceed. It decides whether a defendant is released on bail, what evidence is shared and when the trial will take place.
Beyond reasonable doubt: the standard of proof explained
Beyond reasonable doubt is the test prosecutors must meet to secure a conviction. This guide explains what the standard of proof means, who carries the burden and how courts describe it to juries.