the judiciary Flashcards
1
Q
superior judges
A
- justices of the supreme court
- lord justices of appeal
- high court judges
2
Q
inferior judges
A
- circuit judges
- recorders
- district judges
- tribunal judges
3
Q
role of a judge
A
- interpreting and applying the law in court cases
- facilitating dispute resolution and guiding the legal process
- maintaining courtroom decorum and protecting the rights of all parties
- supervising the development and application of the law
- acting as a check on the powers of the government
4
Q
independence of the judiciary
A
- judges play a crucial role in protecting individuals from abuse by the state
- politicians can’t sack judges who make unpopular decisions
5
Q
security of tenure (superior judges)
A
- can’t be dismissed by the government
- can only be removed by the monarch following a petition presented by both houses
- rights contained in the senior courts act 1981
6
Q
security of tenure (inferior judges)
A
- lord chancellor has the power to dismiss for incapacity and misbehaviour (with consent from the lord chief justice)
7
Q
complaints
A
- investigated by an independant body called ‘judicial conduct investigation office’
- a true complaint is reported to the LC and LCJ
- warned, reprimanded or removed from office (serious cases)
8
Q
independence from the executive
A
- JI guaranteed under s3 constitutional reform act 2005
- states that if the LC/anyone with responsibility relating to the judiciary may uphold the continued independence
8
Q
independence from the legislature
A
- full time judges now allows to be members of the HOC although (assistant) recorders may be MPs
- SC used to be in HOL but was separated in 2009
8
Q
immunity from suit
A
- immunity from prosecution for any acts they carry out in performance of their judicial function
- immunity from being sued in a civil case for actions or decisions made
- allows judges to perform duties without fears of repercussions
