Judiciary

Question 1

What is the role of judges in the judiciary?

Answer 1

Judges apply the law as stated by Parliament independently, presiding over civil and criminal cases.

Question 2

Who is the head of the judiciary in the UK?

Answer 2

The Lord Chief Justice.

Question 3

What is the hierarchy of courts in the UK judiciary?

Answer 3

Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Crown Court, County Court, Magistrates Court.

Question 4

How are judges appointed according to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005?

Answer 4

Judicial appointments are managed by the Judicial Appointments Commission, and candidates apply for posts that are advertised.

Question 5

What changes did the Tribunal Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 introduce?

Answer 5

Widened legal qualifications for judges, allowed diverse experience for applicants, and reduced experience requirements for judicial posts.

Question 6

What is the main objective of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005?

Answer 6

To uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Question 7

What qualification is needed to sit as a High Court Judge?

Answer 7

A minimum of 15 years senior court qualification.

Question 8

What is the maximum appointment term for a Recorder?

Answer 8

Five years, and they usually work part-time.

Question 9

How long must a candidate be a barrister or solicitor to be eligible for a Recorder position?

Answer 9

Seven years.

Question 10

What is the role of the Lord Chancellor in judicial appointments post-2005?

Answer 10

The Lord Chancellor’s role is minimal, involved only in the appointment of superior judges.

Question 11

What is the role of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)?

Answer 11

To manage the appointment of judges, ensuring appointments are based on merit and widely advertised.

Question 12

What are the three main elements of judicial training?

Answer 12

Knowledge of substantive law, acquisition of judicial skills, and understanding the social context of judging.

Question 13

What does ‘security of tenure’ mean for judges?

Answer 13

Judges should not be at risk of removal due to government disagreement with their decisions.

Question 14

How can judges declare UK legislation incompatible with European law?

Answer 14

By issuing declarations of incompatibility under the Human Rights Act.

Question 15

What is the retirement age for judges in the UK?

Answer 15

Judges usually retire at the age of 70.

Question 16

What happens if a judge is accused of misconduct?

Answer 16

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office can investigate and potentially remove judges from office.

Question 17

What percentage of Court of Appeal judges were female as of April 2021?

Answer 17

0.21

Question 18

What is a puisne judge?

Answer 18

A junior judge in the High Court.

Question 19

What were judges often criticized for regarding demographics?

Answer 19

Being ‘male, stale, and pale’.

Question 20

What does the phrase ‘the rule of law’ signify in relation to judges?

Answer 20

Judges must interpret the law independently and uphold legal principles without outside influence.

Question 21

What are inferior judges in the UK?

Answer 21

Judges in lower courts such as the Magistrates Court with less security of tenure.

Question 22

What is one significant impact of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 on the selection process of judges?

Answer 22

The process became more transparent and separate from political influence.

Question 23

What is the judicial training induction program?

Answer 23

A program that new judges undergo at their first appointment, including mentoring by experienced judges.

Question 24

What is the role of judges in civil cases?

Answer 24

Judges determine liability and the amount of damages to be awarded.

Question 25

What is the impact of the GCHQ case (1984) on judicial independence?

Answer 25

Judges can declare legislation incompatible with European human rights laws.

Question 26

What can the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office do?

Answer 26

Investigate allegations of misconduct against judges.

Question 27

Who must formally appoint all judges in the UK?

Answer 27

The King

Question 28

What are the qualifications for lower judicial posts according to the Tribunal Courts and Enforcement Act 2007?

Answer 28

Fellows of the Institution of Legal Executives, Registered Patent Attorneys, and Trade Mark Attorneys.

Question 29

What is the significance of judges being free from legislative influence?

Answer 29

It ensures that judges interpret laws without being influenced by politicians or political pressure.

Question 30

What does continuing professional development for judges entail?

Answer 30

Participation in seminars and e-learning to stay updated on legislation and procedures.

Question 31

Who are superior judges in the UK?

Answer 31

Judges in higher courts, such as the Supreme Court and High Court.

Question 32

In what type of cases do Circuit Judges typically preside?

Answer 32

High value County Court cases and serious Crown Court cases.

Question 33

What must judges do when they find legislation incompatible with human rights?

Answer 33

They must notify the government, prompting potential legal changes.

Question 34

Name a case that highlights judicial independence regarding government decisions.

Answer 34

The Belmarsh Case (2004).

Question 35

What is one of the roles of District Judges in the UK?

Answer 35

Handling cases in the Magistrates Court with a minimum of five years’ experience.

Question 36

What evidence does the term 'male, stale, and pale' refer to in the judiciary?

Answer 36

The criticized demographic composition of judges being predominantly white males.

Question 37

How has experience required for applicants changed under the Tribunal, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007?

Answer 37

Experience has been lowered for judicial posts from 7 years to 5 years.

Question 38

What features define a part-time Recorder's role?

Answer 38

A Recorder is appointed for 5 years and typically works part-time.

Question 39

What is the phrase used to describe judges who are not employed as barristers?

Answer 39

Judges from non-barrister backgrounds.

Question 40

How has judicial diversity changed from 2021 statistics?

Answer 40

Only 8% of judges identified as BAME.

Question 41

What criteria must be met for judicial appointment eligibility?

Answer 41

Relevant legal qualifications and gained experience in law.

Question 42

What did the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 do regarding judicial appointments?

Answer 42

It widened the criteria for eligibility for judicial appointments.

Question 43

How did the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 change the eligibility for judicial appointments?

Answer 43

It widened the pool of applicants to include solicitors, barristers, CILEX, Registered Patent Attorneys, and Trade Mark Attorneys.

Question 44

What year was the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act passed?

Answer 44

2007

Question 45

What experience methods were allowed by the TCE Act 2007?

Answer 45

Teaching law, working in arbitration/mediation.

Question 46

What are the minimum experience years required for a person to apply to become a judge?

Answer 46

5 to 7 years, depending on the level of judge.

Question 47

What is the minimum experience required for a Justice of the Supreme Court?

Answer 47

At least 15 years of high judicial office or qualifying practice in senior courts.

Question 48

Who can be appointed as Lords/Ladies Justice of Appeal?

Answer 48

Those with at least 7 years of experience in law or an existing High Court judge.

Question 49

What qualifies someone to be a High Court Judge?

Answer 49

7 years of experience as a barrister or solicitor or 2 years as a Circuit judge.

Question 50

What is necessary for becoming a Circuit Judge?

Answer 50

7 years of experience in law or qualifying as a barrister or solicitor.

Question 51

What qualifications are needed to become a Recorder?

Answer 51

At least 7 years experience as a qualified barrister or solicitor.

Question 52

How many years of experience must a District Judge have?

Answer 52

At least 5 years as a qualified barrister or solicitor.

Question 53

What are the qualifications for a Tribunal Judge?

Answer 53

Qualified as a barrister or solicitor with at least 5 years of experience.

Question 54

Which Act reduced the time needed to work in law for judicial application?

Answer 54

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Question 55

What was the impact of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 on the judicial applicant pool?

Answer 55

It broadened the eligibility criteria.

Question 56

What constitutes 'gaining experience in law' according to the TCE Act 2007?

Answer 56

Activities such as teaching law or working in arbitration/mediation.

Question 57

What level of judge requires a minimum of 15 years of experience to apply?

Answer 57

Justice of the Supreme Court.

Question 58

Can Solicitors apply to be judges?

Answer 58

Yes, they can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Question 59

What must the individual demonstrate to apply to become a District Judge?

Answer 59

At least 5 years of experience as a barrister or solicitor.