SQE1 (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) · Criminal law and practice

Criminal procedure, evidence and sentencing

15 practice questions, each with the answer and an explanation.

Practise Criminal procedure, evidence and sentencing now

Random questions from this topic, one at a time. You see the answer and the explanation straight after each one.

All 15 questions

  1. Under section 24 of PACE 1984, a constable may arrest without a warrant if he has reasonable grounds for suspecting an offence and one of which additional requirements?
  2. A suspect is arrested for burglary and the relevant time begins on arrival at the police station. What is the general maximum period of detention without charge before review and extension?
  3. Which provision gives a suspect in custody a right to consult a solicitor?
  4. A suspect interviewed under caution fails to mention a fact he later relies on at trial. What can a court do under section 34 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994?
  5. What is the Full Code Test used by the Crown Prosecution Service when deciding whether to charge?
  6. Which of the following is a summary-only offence?
  7. A defendant is charged with an either-way offence. The magistrates decide the case is suitable for summary trial. What is the defendant's right?
  8. What is the position on the burden and standard of proof in a criminal trial?
  9. A witness statement is read to the court in place of live evidence because the witness has died. Which statute makes it potentially admissible despite the hearsay rule?
  10. The prosecution wants to adduce the defendant's earlier convictions for similar offences. Which statutory provision governs the admissibility of the defendant's bad character evidence?
  11. A confession made after a police officer threatened the suspect is challenged at trial. Which provision requires its exclusion?
  12. Under the Bail Act 1976, what is the general starting point for a defendant charged with an imprisonable offence?
  13. A defendant pleads guilty at the first stage of proceedings. What reduction in sentence may the court normally give under the Sentencing Council guideline?
  14. Hana is convicted at the Crown Court and wants to appeal against her conviction. What does she need?
  15. What is the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales?

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