The Judiciary Role A01 Flashcards
Who are the Lord Justices of the UK Supreme Court (UKSC)?
The Lord Justices of the UK Supreme Court are the 12 most senior judges in the English legal system, often with previous experience in the Court of Appeal (CoA) or High Court.
What is the role of the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal?
The Criminal Division hears over 7,000 applications for leave to appeal against sentence or conviction from the Crown Court. One judge handles the appeal, and only about a quarter of appeals are granted.
How does the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal operate?
The Civil Division hears over 3,000 civil appeals from the High Court, with judges typically sitting in a panel of three. For important cases, they can sit in a panel of five.
What is the role of High Court Judges in appeals?
High Court Judges can sit on appeal panels with a Lord Justice of Appeal. They have the power to allow or refuse appeals and can confirm or change sentences, convictions, or High Court decisions. They can also grant leave for a further appeal to the UKSC.
What are the divisions of the High Court?
The High Court is divided into three divisions: the Queen’s Bench Division, the Chancery Division, and the Family Division.
What is the main role of a High Court Judge?
High Court Judges primarily manage the trials of important civil cases (multi-track), such as negligence cases, at first instance. They may also hear some appeals.
What do Circuit Judges do?
Circuit Judges hear civil cases in the County Court and criminal cases in the Crown Court. In the County Court, they decide the law and award remedies, while in the Crown Court, they decide the law, leaving the jury to decide the facts.
What are Recorders, and what is their role?
Recorders are part-time judges appointed for five years, primarily sitting in the Crown Court. They have the same role as Circuit Judges.
What do District Judges do in the County Court?
District Judges in the County Court handle small claims cases, deciding the verdict and awarding remedies.
What is the role of District Judges in the Magistrates’ Court?
District Judges in the Magistrates’ Court hear criminal cases, sitting alone to decide the verdict and the law. They also pass sentence on guilty defendants.
