Committal

Committal meaning

In UK law, the term Committal generally refers to the process of transferring a case from a lower court, such as a Magistrate's Court, to a higher court, such as a Crown Court, for trial. This typically happens when the defendant has been charged with a serious crime that can only be tried in a higher court. The Committal proceedings involve presenting evidence to demonstrate that there is sufficient cause to proceed with a trial, and if the judge agrees, the case is formally committed to the higher court. This process is essential in ensuring that cases are heard in the appropriate court, and that all parties involved are given a fair trial.

Other definitions

A Committal in criminal law can mean the follwing:

(i) Committal for Trial: Following examination by the Magistrates of a case involving an indictable or either way offence, the procedure of directing the case to the Crown Court to be dealt with.

(ii) Committal for Sentence: Where the Magistrates consider that the offence justifies a sentence greater than they are empowered to impose they may commit the defendant to the Crown Court for sentence to be passed by a judge.

(iii) Committal Order: An order of the Court committing someone to prison.

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