England and Wales formerly used a system of courts of assize and quarter sessions for indictment trials at first instance.

[4] However, the Beeching Commission in 1969 recommended the replacement of the assize system, following the model of the 'crown courts' introduced by the Criminal Justice Administration Act 1956 (4 & 5 Eliz.

Under this procedure, the Crown Court has the power to confirm, reject or alter any part of a decision.

[9] This could be because: Committals may also arise from breaches of the terms of a Community Order or a suspended custodial sentence.

This means that only barristers, solicitor advocates, and some chartered legal executives can represent clients.

[14] Court dress is almost always worn, although wigs may be removed during exceptional circumstances when directed by the judge - for example, when children are testifying.