Life in the UK test: Law, tax and everyday duties practice questions

In England and Wales, magistrates' courts take less serious criminal cases and the Crown Court the more serious ones, usually with a jury. The Supreme Court hears appeals. The emergency number people are told to call is 999, and drivers keep to the left.

Question 1

In England and Wales, which court hears the more serious criminal cases, usually with a jury?

  1. A small-claims hearing in the county court
  2. The Supreme Court, sitting as a trial court
  3. A parish council meeting
  4. The Crown Court

Answer: The Crown Court

In England and Wales the Crown Court hears the more serious criminal cases, usually with a jury. Small claims are a civil procedure. The Supreme Court hears appeals; it does not try the case. A parish council is not a court.

Question 2

At a criminal trial, what does the presumption of innocence mean?

  1. The police record a conviction as soon as they make an arrest
  2. The prosecution must prove guilt; the accused need not prove innocence
  3. A report in a newspaper is enough for a conviction
  4. The accused must prove innocence before the trial can begin

Answer: The prosecution must prove guilt; the accused need not prove innocence

Criminal trials start from the presumption of innocence. The prosecution has to prove the charge. An arrest, a headline or a demand that the accused prove innocence would reverse that rule.

Question 3

Which body collects Income Tax and National Insurance contributions?

  1. The Supreme Court
  2. The parish council of the taxpayer's village
  3. HM Revenue and Customs
  4. The Speaker of the House of Commons

Answer: HM Revenue and Customs

HM Revenue and Customs collects Income Tax and National Insurance. Courts decide cases, parish councils look after very local affairs, and the Speaker chairs the Commons. None of them is the tax collector.