​KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Mode of Trial Proceedings


Mode of trial proceedings are hearings conducted in the magistrates’ court to determine where certain criminal offences should be tried.


These proceedings apply to offences triable either way, meaning offences that may be heard either in the magistrates’ court or in the Crown Court.


The magistrates first consider factors such as seriousness, complexity, and sentencing powers before deciding whether the case is suitable for summary trial.


The defendant may also have the right to elect trial by jury in the Crown Court.


Mode of trial proceedings therefore play an important role in allocating criminal cases within the court system.