Question from an ignorant Yank

[janetlin]

(this is in particular directed to the Commonwealth folks on my list, but any American more versed than I may certainly chip in, too)

The time has come in men_of_vision for Lucius Malfoy's competency hearing ('cause he was already a little cracked, and five years in Azkaban can't have helped, right?). And we have no idea how the British court/trial system works - aside from the bit of a court scene in A Fish Called Wanda. So... how does it go?

I realize the magical system is still going to be a bit different, but it will at least get us closer than the American system would.

Thanks for any help!