Introduction and Basics

Question 1

what is the only UK-wide court

Answer 1

The supreme court

Question 2

what used to be the judicial hierarchy until 2009

Answer 2

The law lords were the supreme court justices and they were 12 members of the House of Lords

Question 3

what act created the UK supreme court that operates today

Answer 3

The Constitutional Reform Act 2005

Question 4

why was the consitutional reform act passed

Answer 4

1. The need for a more independent ultimate court of appeal that was seperate from parliament
2. The need for an independent court to rule on disagreements between the UK Parliament and the devolved parliaments after devolution

Question 5

what is the role of the supreme court

Answer 5

1. Act as final court of appeal for both civil and criminal cases
2. Provide the final say on the interpretation of the law
3. Settle disputes between the devolved governments and the UK parliament

Question 6

characteristics of Supreme Court Judges

Answer 6

They cannot be fired, they can only be removed from office if they committed a crime and only after a vote of both houses of Parliament
They retire at 75 years old

Question 7

what was the appointment process prior to 2005

Answer 7

they were selected by the prime minister and the Lord chancellor(secretary of state for justice)

Question 8

appointment process since the constitutional reform act

Answer 8

1. Selected by an independent selection commission
2. Nominee is rejected or confirmed by the Lord Chancellor (Secretary of State for Justice)

Question 9

how does the SC influence law making

Answer 9

The judiciary (courts) reviews laws and
interprets how it should be applied in specific
cases