Magistrates' Court :
The magistrates' court is the first step on the legal ladder for those involved in the criminal justice system. Over 95% of all criminal cases are dealt with by the magistrates' court, which either provides the necessary prosecution, or refers the case to the Crown Court. The magistrates' court is presided over by specially trained members of the public called justices of the peace. The magistrates' deal with most criminal cases, but they also have limited power over certain civil cases.
Learn more about the Magistrates' Court in the Crime Fighters section.
Magistrates :
The magistrate is another name for a justice of the peace who presides over the magistrates' court. Magistrates are ordinary members of the public who have no formal legal qualifications, and give their time to the court voluntarily. They are given some training in court procedures and advised at all times by the Court Clerk.
Manslaughter :
Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being without the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. The legal definition used to describe this accidental act of murder is violence 'without malice aforethought'. (See Murder.)
Malicious prosecution :
To maliciously prosecute someone means to begin legal proceedings against an individual without reasonable cause and with malicious intent. You can sue for this if a court case against you was unsuccessful and no criminal charges were brought.
Malicious falsehood :
Malicious falsehood is a statement made with the intent to cause damage to another person. It is generally referred to as slander, and is often covered under laws regarding defamation.
Malicious wounding :
Malicious wounding is an assault that causes a wound or grievous bodily harm - often referred to as GBH or 'a section 20 offence'. (See GBH)
Mediation :
Mediation is a process outside a court of law that resolves a dispute between two or more parties. Using legal 'referees' called mediators, the parties involved agree to come to some kind of solution without embarking on the costly process of going to court.
Learn more about the Mediation process in the Crime Fighters section.
Mens Rea :
Mens rea basically means a guilty mind and refers to the state of mind of the accused at the time the actus reas (act of the crime) is committed. Mens rea and actus reus must exist at the same time. For example, the burglar knew they were going to deprive the rightful owner of their property before the burglary. Nearly all criminal offences require a demonstration of mens rea. Cases that don't require mens rea are known as strict liability offences.
Misconduct :
Misconduct refers to improper or wilful misbehaviour of an individual. This generally refers to business practice, when an individual deliberately behaves in an improper manner towards their colleagues or to the detriment of their position.
Misrepresentation :
Misrepresentation is the process of making untrue statements in order to make an individual or party sign a legal contract. The untrue statement of fact must be proved to have been an inducement for the party involved that secured their signature on the contract. Misrepresentation can be either negligent or fraudulent depending on whether the falsehood was deliberately or accidentally presented.
Mitigation :
Mitigation is the plea made to reduce a sentence because of personal, family or other mitigating circumstances. Mitigation does not remove the sentence, but is used by the defence to reduce its severity, usually because of the co-operation of the offender, the improper conduct of others, or any external influences that may have induce the offender to commit the crime.
Money laundering :
Money laundering is the process in which profits from criminal activities are 'cleaned' by being processed through legitimate businesses. This process is often investigated by law enforcement agencies because it allows organised crime to hide the proceeds from its activities.
Murder :
Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. The legal definition used to describe the act of murder is violence 'with malice aforethought'.
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