How many courts does the Old Bailey have?

18 courts
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.

How do I watch a case at the Old Bailey?

You will only have access to the public galleries to view trials. (It is a bit sitting in the balcony seats of a small theatre.) 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.

What are the Proceedings of the Old Bailey?

The Proceedings of the Old Bailey Online gives access to the largest body of historical texts detailing the lives of non-elite people ever published. The trial accounts contain incidental details of everyday life in addition to evidence about crime and criminal justice. These are not, however, verbatim transcripts.

Why is the Old Bailey so called?

It is named after the street on which it is located, which itself follows the line of the original fortified wall, or “bailey”, of the City. The initial location of the courthouse close to Newgate Prison allowed prisoners to be conveniently brought to the courtroom for their trials.

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 cases are heard in the Central Criminal Court?

Offences such as murder, rape, treason and piracy are dealt with by the Central Criminal Court. Terrorist offences and offences with an organized crime element can be heard by the non-jury Special Criminal Court. Decisions of the Circuit Court in criminal matters can be appealed to the Court of Appeal.

What offences were tried at the Old Bailey?

This page provides explanations of all the offences tried at the Old Bailey, organised according to general categories as defined by this project. As the central criminal court for the City of London and the County of Middlesex, the Old Bailey was where all trials took place for serious crimes occurring in the London area north of the Thames.

What is the Proceedings of the Old Bailey?

The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 1674-1913. A fully searchable edition of the largest body of texts detailing the lives of non-elite people ever published, containing 197,745 criminal trials held at London’s central criminal court. If you are new to this site, you may find the Getting Started and Guide to Searching videos and tutorials helpful.

Is there a list of judges who have served at the Old Bailey?

The list of judges below who have served full time at the Old Bailey does not purport to be a complete list. Additions and corrections are welcome. Please email [email protected] A full list of all Recorders (back to 1298) and Common Serjeants (to 1291) are listed at the spreadsheet which can be downloaded at the Past Masters’ archive.