Criminal Law Jargon Buster

If you need help understanding often confusing property jargon below is a list of terms you may encounter:

Complainant

The person making the allegation of a crime


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Committal

A hearing when a defendants case is sent from the Magistrates Court to the Crown Court


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P.C.M.H.  –  Plea and Case Management Hearing

A Crown Court hearing where a defendant would normally enter a Guilty or Not Guilty Plea. If Guilty the matter would be directed to a sentence hearing and if Not Guilty it would be directed to a Trial. A Judge would also make various directions / orders to be complied with.


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P.T.R.  -  Pre Trial Review

A date fixed a short time before a Trial Date to check/ensure all orders and directions are being complied with.


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P.S.R.  -  Pre Sentence Report

A report normally prepared by the Probation Service into a defendants background as to suitability for a non-custodial sentence or to assist the court in determining length of sentence.


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Custodial Sentence 

A sentence involving a specified length of time of imprisonment


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