The most important civil courts are the county courts, which deal with minor cases, and the High Court, before which more serious matters are brought. Most appeals go to the Court of Appeal (Civil Division) in London. The Civil Division can provide legal remedy against judgments of the High Court and the county courts. Only professional judges work in county courts. They are Circuit Judges who also work in the Crown Courts.
The High Court of Justice is above the county courts. There are three divisions in the High Court – the Queen’s Bench Division, Chancery Division and Family Division.
The Queen’s Bench Division consists of about 80 High Court Judges. The judges of this Division try criminal and civil cases both in London and other cities. They also take appeals from lower courts – Crown Courts and Magistrates’ Courts. The QBD also exercises supervision over the lower courts.
The Chancery Division consists of about 20 High Court Judges and is headed by the Chancellor of the High Court. It deals with questions of company law, bankruptcy, trusts, patents, taxes, finance and property. The Chancery Division deals only with civil cases.
The Family Division consists of 20 High Court Judges, headed by the President of the Family Division. It deals with divorce, separation of spouses, wills, adoption of children, guardianship and some other matrimonial and family matters.
All the divisional courts act as courts of first instance and as appellate courts.