Court Ethnography: Division of Powers, Access, Characteristics, and Observations

Running head: COURT ETHNOGRAPHY
Court Ethnography
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1COURT ETHNOGRAPHY
Division of Powers
Along with the court of appeal and the High Court of Justice the Crown Court of
England and Wales is one of the constituent parts of the senior Court system in England and
Wales. In criminal cases Crown Court is the highest court at first instance. However in
certain situations the High Court and it’s divisional quotes higher in hierarchy then the Crown
Court. The court operates around 92 location across England and Wales. The HM courts and
tribunals services conduct the administration of the Crown Court. HM court and Tribunal
services which previously operated in 6 circuits and now divided in 7 regions. The reason of
whales had been identified separately with respect to the wall legislative powers provided to
the Welsh assembly. The Crown Court is also known as Central Criminal Court when it
operates in the city of London. The central Criminal Court which has been established
through its own Act of parliament is the centre of the Crown quotes and is a venue where
most of the serious criminal cases are heard. Four primary activities are handled by Crown
quotes which include jury trials, appeal against magistrate Court decisions, sentencing the
defendants provided by the magistrate Court and sentencing those who has been convicted by
the Crown Court either at the time of trial or when pleading guilty. The average time which is
taken by the Crown Court till completion of a case from start is 177 days (GOV.UK, 2017).
Instead of talking about a location at which the Crown Court is situated in common
practice where any venue is referred as a Crown Court such as the Teesside crown court. The
judges who presided over the proceedings in a clown coat are generally recorders, circuit
judges and High Court Judges. Recorders all solicitors or barristers who are in private
practice and sit part time as judges. In the court the most serious of the cases such as rape
murder or treason are allocated to the senior Circus judges and High Court Judges. Other
cases are allocated to the recorders and circuit judges although the most minor case is are

2COURT ETHNOGRAPHY
allocated to the recorders. The allocation of the cases is done with respect to the orders of
Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. The criminal justice Administration Act 1956 had
laid down provisions for the establishment of crown quotes at Manchester and Liverpool for
the purpose of enhancing the handling of criminal cases in South Lancashire. The court had
been established by the Court Act 1971 on 1st January 1972.
Gaining access
I had visited the Crown Court of London which is the central Criminal Court for the
purpose of analysing ethnography of the court. I had visited the Crown Court of London
which is the central Criminal Court for the purpose of analysing ethnography of the court.
During the entrance I had to go through various security checks. The security checks were
conducted at various intervals in the entrance of the court. There was no carelessness by the
security officers while checking those who wanted to visit the court for any reason. I was
asked to switch off my mobile phone and not click any photographs inside the court. While
entering the court I had to provide the security personal with my personal identity card so that
they could verify my identity. At the first Security Check I was scrutinized to an electronic
machine. At another Security Check Post I was physically checked by the security personals.
I got to know that the security in the court is so high because a person has been stopped at
one of the Crown court premises few months ago. Therefore the security officers were
thoroughly checking each and every person who wanted to enter the court. No person is
allowed to carry any kind of weapon inside the court premises instead of security officers.
Any electronic gadget which can be a threat to the security of the court are also not allowed
inside the court premises. It was notified to me that if I click any pictures inside the court my
mobile phone would be confiscated. In addition it was also provided to me that if my mobile
phone rings during the court proceedings the judge may order for the confiscation of my
mobile phone. Once I entered the main Court Building security officers who were armed with