Records of Standing Civilian Courts

ER

1977-1986

Records of the Standing Civilian Courts relating to the trial overseas of civilians working in the armed services.

Case files are in ER 1

Other records of the Judge Advocate General with an explanation of his/her functions are in

Public Record(s)

English

1 series

Subject to 30 year closure unless otherwise stated

From 1977 Lord Chancellor's Department

Topics

Armed Forces (General Administration)

Standing Civilian Courts were established by the Standing Civilian Courts and Standing Civilian Courts (Areas) Orders, 1977, for the trial overseas of civilians working in the armed services to whom the Army Act 1955, or the Air Force Act 1955 applies. They fall within the jurisdiction of the Judge Advocate General.

The Secretary of State for Defence exercised his power under the 1976 Act by the Standing Civilian Courts and Standing Civilian Courts (Areas) Order, 1977 (S.I. 1977/88 and 89), with the approval of the Lord Chancellor establishing courts in two areas, namely in the Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, and in Berlin.

The Lord Chancellor appoints assistants to the Judge Advocate General to sit as magistrates in the Standing Civilian Courts. The magistrates hear charges brought against civilians under the Army or Air Force Acts 1955 according to procedures laid down by S.I. 1977/88.