The judicial hierarchy Flashcards
What where justices of the supreme court formerly called
Law Lords
the supreme court was established under what act
the Constitutional Reform Act 2005
what are judges in SC called
justices of the SC
what is the role of a justice of the supreme court
sit as an uneven panel (min. 3, usually 5) in final appeal court so hear cases on points of law of great importance- decisions become precedent
what act created the role of Lord Chief Justice
the Constitutional Reform Act 2005
who is current head of judiciary in E+W (but not responsible for SC)
Lord Burnett
where can Lord Chief Justices hear cases
COA, HC, CC, County, Mags. - in reality will sit in COA
explain the role of Lord Chief Justice
represent judiciary to Parliament and government ministers. responsible for training, welfare + guidance - arranging were judges will work + their workload
what where senior judges formerly called
Lord & Lady Justices of Appeal
where do senior judges sit
COA
explain the role of senior judges
hear appeals, usually as panel of 2/3. Decisions of points of law become precedent to lower courts
where do high court judges sit
in high court and crown court
explain the role of a high court judge in the QBD of the high court
hear criminal appeals from magistrates + sit in a panel of 2
explain the role of a high court judge in the crown court
hear criminal trials (with jury) - usually most serious criminal cases e.g. murder + decide law and sentence, if guilty
where do circuit judges sit
Crown court
explain the role of circuit judges
hear criminal trials (with jury), decide law + sentence, if guilty
what are recorders
part time judges, usually still practicing solicitors/ barristers
where do recorders sit
i’m Crown Court
explain the role of a recorder
hear criminal trials (with jury), decide the law + sentence, if guilty
where do district judges sit
in the magistrates court
explain the role of district judges
try criminal cases, sit alone + decide facts and law, & sentence, if guilty
what is the role of the judiciary at first instance in the HC + CC
- may be involved in pre-trial matters (plea/ bail)
- supervise selection + swearing of jury + explains their role
- keep order + conduct hearing according to the rules of procedure
- summary + direct jury
- pass sentence if guilty + discharge jury
what will the judiciary rule on
the admissibility of evidence, identify + apply relevant law
