Courts
Cambridgeshire's criminal courts play a vital role in delivering justice. Some of the hardest decisions our society makes take place in the courts.
Was someone guilty of committing a crime? Should they be sent to prison, be fined or serve a community sentence? 
Together with its partners in the Criminal Justice System, Her Majesty's Courts Service (HMCS) works to:
- Tackle crime so that the communities we live in can become safer.
- Make going to court a better experience for victims, witnesses, jurors and vulnerable people.
- Reduce the amount of wasted time for witnesses, jurors, police, families and those needing to come to court.
- Enforce court orders more effectively, so people can have faith that justice is being done.
Her Majesty's Courts Service
Her Majesty's Courts Service (HMCS) manages Magistrates' courts, the Crown Court, county courts, the High Court and Court of Appeal in England and Wales. Each of these plays a slightly different role in delivering justice but they all work together to provide a consistent and fair system.
Magistrates' courts deal with most criminal cases, ranging from driving offences to theft, assault and anti-social behaviour. They also deal with family matters.
More serious criminal offences, such as murder, rape, arson or robbery, are heard in the Crown Court.
County Courts deal with civil disputes, personal injury claims, family issues, such as divorce or adoption, and insolvency. More complex civil cases and libel claims are heard in the High Court.
The Court of Appeal hears appeals against decisions made in the High Court and Crown Court. If the dispute isn't resolved here, it can be taken to the House of Lords.
Cambridgeshire's Criminal Courts
In Cambridgeshire, HMCS is responsible for the following criminal courts:
- Cambridge Crown Court
- Cambridge Magistrates' Court
- Ely Magistrates' Court
- Huntingdon Law Courts
- Peterborough Combined Court Centre
- Peterborough Magistrates' Court
- Wisbech Magistrates' Court
Cambridge Crown Court
For more information see the Her Majesty's Courts Service website.