The Crown Court deals with criminal defendants returned/committed for trial by Magistrates' Courts. Cases for trial are heard before a judge and jury. Criminal appeals from the Magistrates' Court go to the County Court.
In Northern Ireland there are still non-jury trials (commonly known as Diplock courts). However, all Crown Court proceedings are now commenced as jury trials unless the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland lodges a certificate indicating that it should be a non-jury trial.