Legal Definitions - Central Criminal Court

The Central Criminal Court is a specialized branch of the Crown Court in England and Wales, exclusively located in London. It is widely known by its historic name, the Old Bailey. Established in 1834, its primary function is to preside over trials for the most serious criminal offenses (referred to as indictable offenses) that have been committed within the Greater London area.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of the Central Criminal Court:

• Imagine a highly publicized murder investigation following a crime committed in a residential area of North London. After the police arrest a suspect and the Crown Prosecution Service determines there is sufficient evidence for a trial, the case, being a serious offense within London's jurisdiction, would be heard at the Central Criminal Court. This court is specifically designated to handle such grave matters occurring in the capital.

• Consider a complex financial fraud scheme that has defrauded numerous victims, with the perpetrators operating out of an office in Canary Wharf, London. Once the police investigation concludes and charges are brought, the trial for this significant economic crime, due to its serious nature and the location where the offenses took place, would be conducted at the Central Criminal Court.

• Suppose a major terrorism plot is uncovered by security services, with the planning and preparatory acts occurring across various locations within London. Given the extreme gravity of such offenses and their commission within the capital, any subsequent trial would be held at the Central Criminal Court, which is equipped to manage these complex and high-stakes national security cases.