Judges and civil liberties

Question 1

What makes up the senior judiciary in the UK?

Answer 1

• The high court
• The appeal court
• The supreme court
• European court of human rights
• European court of justice

Question 2

What are the roles of judges?

Answer 2

• Declare common law
• Interpret statute law
• Develop case law

Question 3

What is judicial review?

Answer 3

When a uk court has the power to review a law passed by parliament and secure a declaration, order or award.

Question 4

What are some examples of judicial review?

Answer 4

• Joanna Lumley and the Ghurkas (allowing them residence
• Hawke vs Justice secretary (Equality act)
• Belmarsh case (HOL ruled suspected terrorists couldn’t be detained without trial

Question 5

Why is an independent judiciary important?

Answer 5

• Rights of groups/individuals can be protected
• Rule of law can be better protected
• The judiciary should be independent when prosecuting the government

Question 6

How is the independence of the judiciary in England and Wales protected?

Answer 6

• Judges cannot be dismissed on the basis of their decisions
• The salaries of judges are protected and guaranteed
• The govt. and parliament cannot comment on a case already underway