You are asked to advise your client Mary on the following issues; please do subheading for each answer:
Mary; Mary has stolen an 18ct diamond ring worth €17,000 from a jewellery shop and has been arrested. She is unsure what court she will have to attend and if she isn’t satisfied with the outcome what court she can appeal to. She is unsure about the potential public profile her case will attract, principally if the court case details can be published in the paper and if a public gallery can attend the court hearing. She also wants to know will she face a criminal or civil case; could the presiding judge give her a jail sentence; and how will the judge come up with her sentence or fine or how will it be determined.
1. Which court will she attend and how can she appeal the decision
2. Will the case be a matter of public knowledge and/or can the public attend the court
3. Is this a Criminal or Civil case. Explain why and give an example of a civil offence and a criminal offence.
4. Describe the court proceedings that will arise in this case i.e. what is the role of the judge, will the case be heard before a jury, what type of sentence could apply