NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What does committal for sentence involve?

1. Defendant’s release on bail after trial

2. Transferring the case to a higher court for sentencing

3. Filing charges against the defendant

4. Conducting a summary trial

The correct answer is: Transferring the case to a higher court for sentencing

Committal for sentence is a legal process that involves transferring a case to a higher court for sentencing after the defendant has been found guilty in a lower court. This typically happens in cases where the lower court does not have the authority to impose a sufficient sentence for the crime committed, often seen in more serious offenses. This process ensures that the defendant receives an appropriate penalty based on the severity of the crime committed, allowing a higher court to evaluate the case thoroughly and impose a sentence that reflects the nature and circumstances of the offense. This mechanism preserves the roles and jurisdictions of different courts within the judicial system. The other options refer to different legal processes, such as bail considerations, charge filing, and summary trials, which do not pertain to the specific legal context of committal for sentence.