Regional Magistrates’ Courts deal with more serious crimes than the District Magistrates’ Courts – for example, murder, rape, armed robbery and serious assault. In terms of the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Amendment Act (No 38 of 2007) a Regional Magistrates’ Court can sentence a person who has been found guilty of offences that include murder or rape to imprisonment for life. The Court can also sentence people who have been found guilty of certain offences such as armed robbery or stealing a motor vehicle to prison for a period up to 20 years. A Regional Magistrate’s Court can impose a maximum fine of R300 000. The Regional Courts do not deal with civil cases.