Answer the following questions with group discussion.

Write a note on Criminal courts.

The criminal courts in India have the following features:

a. Established in 1974, these courts are also called District Magistrate Courts, and function under the High Court

b. At the district level, the highest authority lies with Sessions Court, presided over by the District Judge. This court works with cases or robbery, dacoity and murder.

c. While the sessions court has the power to issue life sentences and even death sentences, these need to be ratified by the High court.

d. The following courts are under the District Court:

1) Chief Magistrate Court: This court cannot give life sentences or death sentences

2) First Grade Magistrate Court: This court is limited to judgements upto 3 years in prison or Rs. 5000 in fine or both, and can hear appeal from second and third grade magistrate courts.

3) Second Grade Magistrate Court: This court can impose upto two years in prison and/or a fine of Rs. 1000. It cannot hear appeals against third grade magistrate courts.

4) Third Grade Magistrate Court: This court can impose fines upto Rs. 50 or an imprisonment of over 1 month.