What legal functions does the County Court perform?

The County Court is primarily responsible for dealing with civil matters, which includes a wide range of civil claims and disputes. This encompasses areas such as contract disputes, tort claims, family law cases, and enforcement issues. By focusing on civil claims, the County Court serves as a fundamental part of the judiciary system for addressing non-criminal legal issues within its jurisdiction.

The court is not designed to handle criminal prosecutions, which are typically reserved for Crown Courts. While it may address some family-related disputes, its broader function allows it to adjudicate various civil claims beyond just familial matters. Moreover, health and safety violations are generally overseen by specialized courts or tribunals that focus specifically on regulatory compliance, not by the County Court as a general legal body. Thus, the function of addressing civil claims and disputes is a distinct and critical role of the County Court.