A Standing Civilian Court deals with the trial of civilians working for or with the Army outside the UK.

• The Standing Civilian Court (S.C.C.) was introduced by the Armed Forces Act 1976 for the trial of civilians working for or accompanying the Army outside the U.K.

• It may only try offences committed by civilians outside of the U.K. For example, dependants accompanying a soldier abroad would fall within the jurisdiction of the S.C.C.

• It consists of a magistrate sitting alone, unless the accused is under 17 years' old, in which case up to two members or assessors will also sit.

• The range of offences which may be dealt with is limited to those which could be dealt with by a magistrate's court had the offences been committed in the U.K.

• The powers of punishment are also limited to the award of up to six months' imprisonment or a fine of £5000.