Law

[sandgrown]

What is "Mention Hearing" at a Crown Court please.

[Ethel]

It is an appearance before the judge, without witnesses and associated costs, to determine whether something must be done before the trial (or so the trial can continue).

A quick example is a drink driving charge. The defendant sttates there is a medical reason for him not producing a sample of blood or urine. The judge can order that his medical records are enough and nothing more needs to be done and the trial can continue at a future date; or he can order an independent medical exam is needed before the trial.

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"A mention hearing is usually held in a crown court if an issue occurs which poses an obstacle to the progression of a trial".

Source:
http://lcjb.cjsonline.gov.uk/download.asp?dl=C CJB_Spring_Newsletter_07.pdf&area=3

The circumstances which call for a mention hearing can vary widely. For example, it might relate to the problems of bringing witnesses from overseas and providing interpreters or it could simply elate to far more mundane procedural matters concerned with the allocation of court time to the case. Basically, however, it's an administrative hearing which doesn't consider the actual facts relating to the case with regard to determining innocence or guilt.

Chris