The legal system of England and Wales is admired for its long-standing history, deep-rooted principles of common law, and global influence. But for those navigating the system—whether as a litigant, legal professional, or interested observer—it’s vital to understand how the courts are structured and how they interact. In this blog post, I break down the court hierarchy, explain the roles of different courts, and show how justice is administered across civil, criminal, and appellate matters. The Basics: A Hierarchical Court System The courts in England and Wales operate in a hierarchical structure. At the base are courts of first instance, where cases begin. Above these are appellate courts, which hear appeals on law or procedure. The structure broadly separates into civil and criminal branches, although some courts have jurisdiction in both. Let’s explore them from the ground up. Magistrates’ Courts (Criminal and Limited Civil) Role: Entry point for almost all criminal cases. Jurisdict