Inferior Number – sentencing and appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases
In addition to its function of trying civil and non-jury criminal cases, the Inferior Number also sits as a sentencing court in criminal cases where it can impose a maximum of four years’ imprisonment. The Inferior Number also possesses an appellate jurisdiction and hears appeals from decisions of the Magistrate.

Superior Number – sentencing and appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases
The Superior Number of the Royal Court consists of a Judge and at least five Jurats. The Superior Number sits as a sentencing court where a custodial sentence moved for by the Crown exceeds a period of four years – the maximum that can be imposed by the Inferior Number. The Superior Number also hears appeals against sentence only imposed by the Inferior Number. All other appeals in criminal cases are heard by the Court of Appeal.