What is the Old Bailey in London?

Asked by: Elissa Cruickshank  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (5 votes)

London's Central Criminal Court, 1673-1913
The Old Bailey, also known as Justice Hall, the Sessions House, and the Central Criminal Court, was named after the street in which it was located, just off Newgate Street and next to Newgate Prison, in the western part of the City of London.

What crimes go to the Old Bailey?

Only the most serious cases were tried at the Old Bailey.
  • Assault.
  • Barratry.
  • Libel.
  • Riot.
  • Threatening Behaviour.
  • Vagabonding.
  • Miscellaneous Breaking the Peace.

Where Do Old Bailey jurors come from?

The Decision-Makers in Criminal Trials

Throughout the period the decision-makers in Old Bailey trials were men of property. Trials were conducted by some of Britain's most distinguished judges, and the jurors who determined defendants' fates came from the broad middling ranks of society.

Why is the Old Bailey called the Old Bailey?

The grand building that houses the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales is often called the Old Bailey. ... The simple answer you will often hear is that it's named after the road it stands on, Old Bailey, which is itself named after the Roman Wall that surrounded London and runs under the back of the courthouse.

Why is the Old Bailey famous?

The name 'Old Bailey' comes from the street on which the court is located. The road marks the route of the City's original fortified wall (or 'bailey'). 'Old Bailey' is only a nickname for what's really called the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales.

The Old Bailey + Newgate Prison | London Public Execution Site

35 related questions found

Why do Old Bailey judges carry flowers?

Judges were forced to carry nosegays of flowers to hide the unpleasant smells from the cells. It was believed that disease came from horrible smells and the scent of flowers would offer protection.

How many courts are in the Old Bailey?

The correct name for the Old Bailey is the Central Criminal Court, the nickname is taken from the road the Court is situated on. It comprises 18 courts spread over three floors. The oak-panelled courtrooms have been the setting for some of the most infamous trials in world criminal history.

Is it possible to visit the Old Bailey?

Admittance to the galleries is free, as the Court is a public building. You may have to queue to gain admittance to a particular case if the public gallery is full. There is no wheelchair access to the Old Bailey public galleries. ... No children under the age of 14 are allowed into the building.

Can you do a tour of the Old Bailey?

As the court is a high security building please note that visitors are only given access to the public galleries from which a trial can be viewed. It is a bit like being in the balcony seats of a small theatre looking down on the court. The public are not allowed to wander around the court.

What happens at Old Bailey?

The Crown Court sitting in the Old Bailey hears major criminal cases from within Greater London. In exceptional cases, trials may be referred to the Old Bailey from other parts of England and Wales.

How long is jury service at the Old Bailey?

What follows is extracted from it. Two weeks is the legal requirement for jury service but, as the selection of a jury is random and some cases may take longer than two weeks, sometimes thirty or more potential jurors can be selected by computer and taken to the court room.

What is the difference between the Old Bailey and the Royal Courts of Justice?

The RCJ essentially deals with Civil matters and The Old Bailey is a Criminal Court.

What is the name of the statue on top of the Old Bailey?

The Statue of Justice on the Old Bailey in London is situated close to St Paul's Cathedral, on the street of Old Bailey running north from Ludgate Hill to Holborn.

When was the Old Bailey first built?

The courthouse, built on the site of Newgate Prison, was formally opened on February 27th, 1907.

Why do judges wear wigs?

Until the seventeenth century, lawyers were expected to appear in court with clean, short hair and beards. Wigs made their first appearance in a courtroom purely and simply because that's what was being worn outside it; the reign of Charles II (1660-1685) made wigs essential wear for polite society.

What is a JP in Britain?

justice of the peace, in Anglo-American legal systems, a local magistrate empowered chiefly to administer criminal or civil justice in minor cases. ... In England and Wales a magistrate is appointed on behalf of the crown, to keep the peace within a specific district.

Why do judges carry posies?

Judges used to carry posies of flowers into court, to try to ward off the pervading stench.

What is the Old Bailey famous for Tale of Two Cities?

For the rest, the Old Bailey was famous as a kind of deadly inn-yard, from which pale travellers set out continually, in carts and coaches, on a violent passage into the other world: traversing some two miles and a half of public street and road, and shaming few good citizens, if any.

What does the Old Bailey represent in V for Vendetta?

Lady Justice Symbol Analysis. At the Old Bailey—a famous London building—there is an old iron statue of Lady Justice, the personification of the law. ... For V, then, Lady Justice is a symbol of the weakness of justice and the law in England.

Do jurors get paid?

You won't be paid for doing jury service but the government will cover your expenses while you're in court to avoid you missing out on pay. You should claim your expenses soon after your time on jury service with payment being made usually seven to ten working days after submitting your claim form.

Do you get paid for jury service if you are retired UK?

You will not be paid for doing jury service, but you can claim some money back if your earnings are affected. For each day you're at court, you can usually claim: up to £64.95 to help cover your loss of earnings and the cost of any care or childcare outside of your usual arrangements.

What happens if you are ill during jury service?

You can also be excused during the trial for a good reason, for example if you fall ill. You can be excused jury service if you have served in the previous two years or if jury service is inconvenient, although this will be decided at the discretion of the jury-summoning officer.

What does mention in case mean?

A case is listed for mention if there is an administrative matter to be ruled upon before the main trial can proceed (or proceed any further). For example, the judge may need to rule whether a certain piece of evidence can be used in court.