.gif'))
The Court for Crown Cases Reserved was an English appellate court for criminal cases established in 1848[1] to hear references from the trial judge. It did not allow a retrial, only judgment on a point of law. Neither did it create a right of appeal and only a few selected cases were heard every year.[2]
History
The Court for Crown Cases Reserved was created by the Crown Cases Act 1848, introduced in the House of Lords by Lord Campbell. Under the Act, after a conviction, the trial judge in a criminal case could refer the case by way of case stated to the Court. A case that was reserved would then be heard by at least five judges, including at least one Chief Justice or Chief Baron.
The Court could only hear appeals on a point of law; it could quash a conviction, but not order a retrial or alter a sentence.
It was superseded by the Court of Criminal Appeal in 1907.[3]
Notable cases referred to the Court
- Regina v. Prince (1875)
- Regina v. Coney (1882)
References
Bibliography
- Cornish, W.; Clarke, G. (1989). Law and Society in England 1750-1950. London: Sweet & Maxwell. ISBN 0-421-31150-9.