1.2 Magistrates' courts are a key element of the criminal justice system. In 2001-02 they disposed of 95 per cent of the 2.4 million criminal cases prosecuted in England and Wales. They also have important family and local licensing jurisdictions. Their work brings them into regular and close contact with many other parts of the criminal justice system, including other courts, the police and enforcement agencies, prisons, government departments, local authorities, bailiffs and solicitors. Figure 4 shows the place of magistrates courts in the criminal justice system.