9. Where trials take place

Prosecutors can tell the court where they think a trial should take place.

They must follow guidelines to make this decision. These guidelines are:

• The Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines.
• The Practice Direction.

A case will be heard more quickly in the magistrates' court but this should not be the reason for asking for the case to be dealt with there.

However, prosecutors should think about the delay if a case goes to the Crown Court and what this might mean for victims and witnesses.

Young people

Trials involving young people should be held in the youth court whenever possible.

A trial of a young person in the Crown Court is only for the most serious cases or where the young person will be tried alongside an adult.