Criminal courts and criminal process: past paper questions
Real questions on criminal courts and criminal process
The newest 20 of 57 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9084/12 · May/June 2026 · Q3[6]
Explain the three grounds in the Bail Act 1976 that may result in a court refusing bail.
See it on the paper → - 9084/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3[6]
Describe the three classifications of criminal cases heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
See it on the paper → - 9084/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5[10]
Discuss the disadvantages of using a jury in the criminal justice system. Section B Answer two questions.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5[10]
Discuss the advantages of using a jury in the criminal justice system. Section B Answer two questions.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · October/November 2025 · Q6a[10]
Describe the pre-trial processes for summary, triable either way and indictable criminal offences.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · October/November 2025 · Q6b[15]
Discuss the factors which a defendant should consider when deciding the trial venue for a triable either way offence.
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3[6]
Describe the three classifications of criminal cases heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · October/November 2025 · Q5[10]
Discuss the disadvantages of using a jury in the criminal justice system. Section B Answer two questions.
See it on the paper → - 9084/11 · May/June 2025 · Q2[2]
Identify two courts which hear criminal appeals from the Magistrates’ Court.
See it on the paper → - 9084/11 · May/June 2025 · Q7a[10]
Explain how the members of a jury are vetted and challenged.
See it on the paper → - 9084/11 · May/June 2025 · Q7b[15]
Assess whether jury members are truly unbiased.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · May/June 2025 · Q8a[10]
Explain the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court in the criminal justice system.
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · May/June 2025 · Q2[2]
Identify two courts which hear criminal appeals from the Magistrates’ Court.
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · May/June 2025 · Q7a[10]
Explain how the members of a jury are vetted and challenged.
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · May/June 2025 · Q7b[15]
Assess whether jury members are truly unbiased.
See it on the paper → - 9084/33 · May/June 2025 · Q2[25]
XY Ltd (XYL) is hosting a festival. Tickets cost £10 per person. There will be various activities for families to enjoy throughout the day, including live music and entertainment for children. The day will end with a big fireworks display. Sarah has been employed by XYL for three months to plan the festival. A week bef...
See it on the paper → - 9084/11 · October/November 2024 · Q2[2]
Identify two reasons for an appeal in the criminal courts.
See it on the paper → - 9084/11 · October/November 2024 · Q5[10]
Discuss the disadvantages of using lay magistrates. Section B Answer two questions.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · October/November 2024 · Q3[6]
Describe the jurisdiction of three criminal courts.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5[10]
Discuss the disadvantages for a defendant who chooses to have a triable either way offence heard in the Crown Court. Section B Answer two questions.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates successfully outlined the reasons why bail may be refused by the police or the courts. However, many candidates needed to include legal authority in their answers to this question. Strong responses made reference to the Bail Act 1976 or other relevant statutes, such as the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. Weaker responses...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9084/11 Q7(a) (Cambridge)
In some weaker responses, evaluation tended to follow advantages and disadvantages of bail, rather than focus on the question. Whilst these points were relevant in some cases, they did not address the particular demands of the question. The best responses linked their points back to the question with connectives, for example ‘Bail achieves a balance in favour of public safety/rights of the suspect...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9084/11 Q7(b) (Cambridge)
This question was generally answered well. Many candidates correctly identified the relevant courts and some description, though the detail of the description was variable. The best responses addressed the appeal to the Crown Court with some supporting narrative and then case stated appeal to the High Court with some supporting narrative. The majority of candidates achieved marks for identifying t...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9084/12 Q4 (Cambridge)
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