In Northern Ireland, who hears cases in the court system?

In Northern Ireland, cases in the court system are primarily heard by a judge or a deputy judge. This structure is designed to ensure that legal matters are adjudicated by individuals who have the necessary training, experience, and legal authority to interpret and apply the law.

While juries may be involved in certain criminal cases, particularly serious ones, the decisions and rulings are often made by a judge. Similarly, magistrates handle less serious criminal cases and some civil matters, but they are not the primary judges for all cases. A panel of judges is typically used in appeals and not in standard trial procedures. Thus, the role of a judge or deputy judge is central in the overall court system in Northern Ireland, reinforcing the importance of judicial authority in the legal process.