Jargon buster

In camera

When court hearings are heard in private they are 'in camera'. Most criminal cases are heard in open court where the public can attend. Some cases can be heard in private if they are sensitive or at a very early stage.

In cumulo

This is an overall sentence that is given for offences that arise as a 'course of conduct' (at least 2 similar incidents) or where multiple offences arise from the same incident. Where this is done, no part of the overall sentence is for any of the individual offences.

Indeterminate sentence

These are sentences that do not have a set end point, such as a life sentence. However, the judge will set a punishment part for such sentences. This is the minimum time an offender must spend in prison, or detention. Once this time has been served, the Parole Board will decide if it is safe for the prisoner to be released into the community on licence. On licence means under certain conditions, including being supervised by a social worker. 

Indictment

An indictment is a court document which sets out the charges against the accused in solemn (more serious) cases. Accused people are said to be charged ‘on indictment’ in solemn cases. Solemn cases on indictment are heard before a jury. Less serious charges are brought ‘on summary complaint’.

Intermediate diet

This is a hearing in summary (less serious) criminal proceedings which allows the court to check whether a case is likely to go to trial on the date that has been set for it. It is intended to minimise any inconvenience to witnesses and others involved in the case if the trial does not go ahead as planned.