Supreme Courts

Question 1

Gina Miller v Secretary of State for exiting the EU

Answer 1

• The UK supreme court ruled that Article 50 could not be triggered by the executive, instead it has to be triggered by Parliament.
• This decision was controversial, with the Daily Mail branding judges ‘the enemy of the people’.

Question 2

Hirst v United Kingdom

Answer 2

• The UK supreme court ruled that prohibiting a prisoner’s right to vote is in breach of the ECHR.
• However, this decision has been ignored by UK governments, with Cameron publicly saying he will ignore it.

Question 3

HM Treasury v Ahmed

Answer 3

• The Supreme Court ruled that terrorist asset freezing by the treasury is ultra vires.
• Parliament then passed temporary legislation following the court’s orders.