The Judiciary: Types and Roles

Question 1

What is the main role of a judge?

Answer 1

To make decisions in respect of disputes. They must do this in a fair, unbiased way, applying the law and following the legal procedure

Question 2

Who are the superior judges?

Answer 2

• Justices of the Supreme Court
• Lord Justices of Appeal in the Court of Appeal
• High Court Judges

Question 3

Who are inferior judges?

Answer 3

• Circuit Judges in the County Court
• District Judges in the County Court
• Recorders in the County Court
• Tribunal Judges

Question 4

What is the role of Justices of the Supreme Court?

Answer 4

• Hear appeals from lower courts if it involves a point of law of general public importance and permission to appeal is given.
• Any decision made sets a binding precedent for all lower courts to follow in later similar cases

Question 5

What is the role of the Lord Justices of Appeal?

Answer 5

• Hear appeals from lower courts against liability or remedies.
• Sit as a panel of three.
• Decisions made set binding precedents for lower courts to follow in later similar cases

Question 6

What is the role of High Court Judges?

Answer 6

• Allocate cases to the appropriate track. •Deal with pre-trial issues such as the discovery of documents and agreeing timetables.
• Try first instance cases.
• Sit on their own to decide the facts.
• Preside over the court and decide legal issues.
• Hear evidence and give a reasoned decision.
• Decide the remedy and deal with the costs of the case.

Question 7

What is the role of Circuit Judges?

Answer 7

• Allocate cases to the appropriate track. •Deal with pre-trial issues such as the discovery of documents and agreeing timetables.
• Try first instance cases.
• Sit on their own to decide the facts.
• Preside over the court and decide legal issues.
• Hear evidence and give a reasoned decision. •Decide the remedy and deal with the costs of the case.

Question 8

What is the role of District Judges?

Answer 8

Deal with small claims cases

Question 9

What is the role of Recorders?

Answer 9

Part-time judges appointed for five years. Mainly try criminal cases but can also try civil cases

Question 10

What is the role of Tribunal Judges?

Answer 10

Decide disputes in a particular area of law