relations between branches ; the supreme court

Question 1

When was the Sct established and what is it?

Answer 1

the highest court of appeal in the UK that have 12 justices that can carry great legal, constitutional and political sig. - helped in establishing independence of sct.

Question 2

roles of judges?

Answer 2

• ensure laws passed are in accordance with the constitution
• interpret what the law means and set out how it should be applied in particular cases
• preside over criminal trials for serious offences, resolve disputes between individuals, deliver sentences and make sure rules of procedures properly applied.
• reviewing govt. decisions as ‘third branch of govt.’

Question 3

What did judges do in the past as law lords and what act changed this ?

Answer 3

• sit in parlia. , contribute to debates on public policy and helping the HOL.

Question 4

How many women compared to men in the sct ?

Answer 4

only 2/12 female justices , Lady black and Lady Arden -.

Question 5

ethnic make up of sct?

Answer 5

all white

Question 6

Why is Sct uk different to US?

Answer 6

Unlike its more powerful US counterpart, it cannot strike down legislation, but it can judicially review the actions of ministers and other public bodies and decide if they are lawful.

Question 7

what did the constitutional reform act in 2005 do?

Answer 7

helped independence of judiciary from legislature and executive- limited the judicial role of the Lord chancellor and established a new sct. separate from the HOL and removed law lords from parlia.

Question 8

How are judges selected?

Answer 8

Through a new independent judicial appointments commission from 2005 , puts forward it’s own nominations and clear restrictions on power of government to reject them.

Question 9

What is security of tenure ?

Answer 9

power to retain their position subject to good conduct - govt’s cannot just remove them , dismissals are rare.