[3] It codifies the procedures applicable in the magistrates' courts of England and Wales and largely replaces the Magistrates' Courts Act 1952.

Part I of the act sets out provisions in relation to the courts' criminal jurisdiction, and Part II in relation to civil proceedings.

Section 1 of the act empowers a justice of the peace to issue a summons or arrest warrant alleging the commission of a crime against an identifiable person.

Section 127 of the act establishes a six-month limitation period for summary (but not indictable) offences.

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