Courts Act

United Kingdom [1971]

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June 25, 2026

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The Courts Act of 1971 in the United Kingdom was a significant piece of legislation that continued the modernization of the legal system, building upon earlier reforms like the Judicature Acts of 1873–75. This act abolished the historical quarter sessions and assizes, which were traditional court sittings. It led to the establishment of a system of permanent provincial crown courts to handle criminal cases, replacing the older, less frequent assizes. Additionally, the Courts Act of 1971 transferred contested probate cases to the Chancery Division and created the Family Division of the High Court to deal with matrimonial cases and matters concerning children.12

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quarter sessions
Under the Courts Act of 1971, all of the quarter-sessions courts were abolished, and their work was assumed by a system of courts called the Crown Court.
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Under the Courts Act of 1971, all of the quarter-sessions courts were abolished, and their work was assumed by a system of courts called the Crown Court.
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common law
Reorganization of the courts
…to the chancery by the Courts Act of 1971. The Family Division of the High Court, dealing with matrimonial cases and issues relating to children, was created at the same time.
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…to the chancery by the Courts Act of 1971. The Family Division of the High Court, dealing with matrimonial cases and issues relating to children, was created at the same time.
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Senior Courts of England and Wales
Under the Courts Act of 1971, the court system of England and Wales was further refined, with other specialized courts being abolished and replaced by the Crown Court in 1972. The Crown Court is an intermediary court that is above the magistrates’ courts but below the Court…
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Under the Courts Act of 1971, the court system of England and Wales was further refined, with other specialized courts being abolished and replaced by the Crown Court in 1972. The Crown Court is an intermediary court that is above the magistrates’ courts but below the Court…
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