The UK Judiciary\nRead the text and say why the court system in Great Britain is complex.\nThe British judicial branch is extremely complex. Unlike most countries which operate a single system of law, the UK operates three separate legal systems: one for England and Wales, one for Scotland, and one for Northern Ireland. Although bound by similar principles, these systems differ in form and the manner of operation. This is because it has developed over 1,000 years rather than being designed from scratch.\nDifferent types of case are dealt with in specific courts: for example, all criminal cases will start in the magistrates' court, but the more serious criminal matters are committed (or sent) to the Crown Court. Appeals\nfrom the Crown Court will go to the High Court, and potentially to the Court of Appeal or even the Supreme Court.\nCivil cases will sometimes be dealt with by magistrates, but may well go to a county court. Again, appeals will go to the High Court and then to the Court of Appeal - although to different divisions of those courts.\nThe tribunals system has its own structure for dealing with cases and appeals, but decisions from different chambers of the Upper Tribunal, and the Employment Appeals Tribunal, may also go to the Court of Appeal. The courts structure covers England and Wales; the tribunals system covers England, Wales, and in some cases Northern Ireland and Scotland.