Magistrates' Court

Magistrates' Court

1) A Court of summary jurisdiction where cases are tried summarily (eg most transport/road traffic offences) before a magistrate (Justice of the Peace - JP) who has only limited powers to penalize. More serious cases requiring higher penalties are tried on indictment at the County Court before a judge and jury (eg causing death by reckless driving).

Where a driver believes a driving test was not properly conducted, he can apply to the Magistrates' Court, which may order a free re-test. Large goods vehicle licence holder (ie LGV entitlement), aggrieved by decision of TC in regard to penalty against his licence, can appeal to Court but only after first appealing direct to TC, in writing, for reconsideration.

Source: David Lowe. The Dictionary of Transport and Logistics. Kogan Page, 2002. – P.151-152 (288 p.)