judges Flashcards
Which Act changed the qualifications to become a judge + what are the changed?
The Tribunals Court and Enforcement Act 2007 - solicitors and barristers can now apply for judicial roles in all courts, training time reduced (5 years for inferior roles, 7 years for senior roles)
What are the inferior judges?
District Judge, Recorder, Circuit Judge
What are the superior judges?
High Court Judge, Lord Justices of Appeal, Justices of the Supreme Court
What are the qualifications needed for a district judge?
- Qualified barrister/solicitor with 5 years experience
- Under the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, ILEX Fellows can be appointed as Deputy District Judges
What are the qualifications for Recorders?
- Qualified barrister/solicitor with 7 years experience
What are the qualifications for Circuit Judges?
- Barrister/solicitor with 7 years experience
- Or a Recorder/District Judge for 3 years
What are the qualifications for High Court Judges?
- Barrister/solicitor for 7 years
- Or Circuit Judge for at least 2 years
What are the qualifications for Lord Justices of Appeal?
- Barrister/solicitor with at least 7 years experience
- However, all Lord Justices of Appeal are appointed from existing High Court Judges
What are are the qualifications for Justices of the Supreme Court?
- Appointed from those who hold high judicial office or a qualified barrister/solicitor for 15 years
What cases do Justices of the Supreme Court hear?
- Criminal and civil appeals on complex or arguable points of law of constitutional or public importance
- Hear appeals from all UK courts from England, Wales and NI
How many cases per year does the Supreme Court hear?
100 - all of which are appeals from lower courts
Judges in the Supreme Court sit as..
An uneven number (minimum of 3)
What do Supreme Court decisions form for the courts below?
Binding precedent
How many Justices of the Supreme Court are there?
12
How many Lord Justices of Appeal are there?
37
How many cases does the Court of Appeal hear each year?
7000 applications for leave, 3000 civil appeals
Lord Justcies of Appeal sit as a panel of..
3, but in rare cases 5
Decisions made by the Court of the Appeal must..
Be followed by the lower courts
What cases does the Court of Appeal hear?
- Appeals from the High and County Court
- Second or further appeals from County Court cases
How many High Court Judges are there?
72 in the QBD, 17 in Chancery, 18 in Family
What do High Court judges do?
Try cases at first instance - hear evidence by witnesses, decide what the law is and make a decision
High Court judges usually..
Sit alone
What appeals does the High Court hear?
Mainly County Court appeals. Judges in the QBD hear case stated appeals from the Magistrates Court. A panel of 2 will hear appeals on law only
What can QBD judges do in the Crown Court?
Sit with a jury to hear criminal trials
Where do Circuit Judges sit?
County for civil cases, Crown for criminal cases
What do Circuit Judges do in the County Court?
Hear law and facts and decide who wins the case
What do Circuit Judges do in the Crown Court?
Jury decides the guilt, judge decided the sentence
What are Recorders?
Part time judges in the Crown/County Court, appointed for 5 years. Sits as a judge for 30 days a year, and continues with their ordinary work for the rest of the time
Where do District Judges sit?
County Court for civil cases (small claims under £10,000), Magistrates Court for criminal cases
What do District Judges do?
Sit on their own to decide on facts and law. When the defendant pleads/is found guilty, the judge will decide the sentence
