the supreme court

Question 1

how many judges sit on the supreme court?

Answer 1

12

Question 1

how are judges appointed to the supreme court and why?

Answer 1

-since the constitutional reform act 2005 senior judicial appointments are made by the Judicial Appointments Commision
-it was hoped that this would ensure greater separation of powers and transparency to the process whilst making the judiciary more representative

Question 2

what are the qualifications for the supreme court?

Answer 2

-must have held a high judicial office (superior courts) for at least 2 years or have been a qualifying practitioner for 15 years

Question 3

describe the appointments process to the supreme court:

Answer 3

1. a vacancy arises
2. a five member selection commission convenes to consider nominees
3. the commission submits a report to the lord chancellor identifying a nominee
4. lord chancellor either accepts, rejects or asks the commission to reconsider
5. if the lord chancellor accepts, they notify the PM
6. once notified, the PM makes recommendation to the king
7. appointment is confirmed once the monarch has issued a letters patent

Question 4

why was the supreme court created?

Answer 4

-separation of powers (judges used to be not independent)
-improvement of appointment process
-reduces public confusion about the role of the house of lords and law lords

Question 5

what are the key functions of the supreme court?

Answer 5

-to act as a final court of appeal in England, Wales and N.I
-to hear appeals from civil cases in Scotland
-to hear in appeals where there’s uncertainty in the law and clarify the meaning of the law
-this all holds the government to account

Question 6

what is the link between the UK supreme court and the ECHR?

Answer 6

the supreme court must take into account ECHR rulings when hearing cases brought by british citizens