Understanding Magistrates Court Listing Codes
A guide to Magistrates Court listing codes, list types, and abbreviations. Learn what SJP means, how to read a standard list, and what the different listing formats contain.
Magistrates Courts handle the vast majority of criminal cases in England and Wales — around 95% of all criminal proceedings begin and are completed here. Their cause lists use specific list types, codes, and abbreviations that differ from Crown Court listings.
This guide explains the main Magistrates Court listing formats, what the codes and abbreviations mean, and how to find the information you need.
Magistrates Court List Types
Unlike Crown Courts (which have daily, firm, and warned lists), Magistrates Courts publish several distinct list types depending on the type of case and the intended audience.
List Types Explained
| List Type | Audience | What It Contains |
|---|---|---|
| Standard List | Public & press | All cases listed for the day, including defendant names, offences, and courtroom allocations. The main list for solicitors and journalists. |
| Public List | Public | A simplified version of the standard list. Contains defendant names and case details but may exclude some procedural information. |
| Public Adult Court List (Daily) | Public | Cases in the adult court for today. Excludes youth court cases (which have automatic reporting restrictions). |
| Public Adult Court List (Future) | Public | Cases in the adult court listed for future dates. Useful for planning ahead. |
| SJP Public List | Public & press | Cases being dealt with under the Single Justice Procedure. Published weekly. |
| SJP Press List | Accredited press only | A more detailed version of the SJP list, including defendant addresses. Only available to accredited media. |
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Get AlertsWhat Is the Single Justice Procedure (SJP)?
The Single Justice Procedure (SJP) is a streamlined process for dealing with minor, non-imprisonable offences — such as TV licence evasion, minor road traffic offences, and council tax non-payment. Cases are decided by a single magistrate sitting with a legal adviser, without the defendant needing to attend court.
Defendants receive a notice by post with details of the charge and the option to plead guilty (often by post or online), plead not guilty (requesting a hearing), or make no response (in which case the case proceeds in their absence).
SJP cases are listed on the SJP Public List, published weekly. The SJP Press List provides additional detail for accredited journalists and is a key source for court reporters covering local justice.
SJP Transparency
SJP cases are dealt with on paper without a public hearing. To maintain transparency, the results are published on the SJP Public List after the case is concluded. Journalists can request the SJP Press List to report on outcomes.
Reading a Magistrates Court Standard List
The standard list is the most comprehensive Magistrates Court listing. It contains all the information you need to identify and attend a hearing.
Fields on a Standard List
- Case URN (Unique Reference Number) — the Magistrates Court equivalent of a case reference number
- Defendant name and date of birth
- Offence(s) charged — brief description of each charge
- Courtroom number and sitting time
- Hearing type — first hearing, trial, sentencing, etc.
- Prosecution authority — usually CPS, but could be a local authority, HMRC, or other body
- Whether the defendant is in custody or on bail
- Any reporting restrictions
Common Magistrates Court Hearing Types
| Hearing Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| First Hearing | The defendant's first appearance. Charges are read, bail is considered, and the case is either dealt with or adjourned. |
| Trial | Full hearing before magistrates (no jury). Witnesses are called, evidence is heard, and a verdict is given. |
| Sentencing | The defendant has pleaded guilty or been found guilty. Magistrates decide the sentence. |
| Committal / Sending | Serious cases are sent to Crown Court. This is a procedural hearing, not a trial. |
| Breach | Hearing for breach of a community order, suspended sentence, or bail conditions. |
| Warrant | Application for a warrant — could be an arrest warrant, search warrant, or warrant of commitment. |
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Start free — 2 alerts includedYouth Court Cases
Youth court cases (defendants under 18) have automatic reporting restrictions under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. The defendant's name, school, and any identifying details cannot be published.
Youth court cases may appear on the standard list but will be marked with restrictions. In many courts, they are heard in a separate youth courtroom.
Youth Court Restrictions
Publishing the name, address, or school of a defendant under 18 is a criminal offence unless the court lifts the reporting restriction. This applies even after the case is concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SJP stand for?
SJP stands for Single Justice Procedure. It's a streamlined process for minor, non-imprisonable offences where a single magistrate decides the case on paper, without the defendant attending court.
How do I find my case at a Magistrates Court?
Search the standard list for your Case URN (Unique Reference Number) or your surname. On CauseAlert, you can search across all 154 Magistrates Courts at once, or set up an alert to be notified when your case is listed.
What is the difference between the standard list and public list?
The standard list is the most detailed listing, containing all cases with full procedural information. The public list is a simplified version intended for general public consumption. Both contain defendant names and case details.
Are Magistrates Court hearings open to the public?
Yes, most Magistrates Court hearings are open to the public. Exceptions include youth court hearings, family proceedings, and cases where the court has made a specific order to sit in private.
How long does a Magistrates Court hearing take?
First hearings typically take 5-15 minutes. Trials in the Magistrates Court usually last half a day to a full day. Sentencing hearings take 15-30 minutes. SJP cases are dealt with on paper without a hearing.
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Create free accountData sourced from HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. Court information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Crown copyright.