The UK Judiciary

Question 1

What are the three branches of government

Answer 1

1) judiciary (Supreme Court)
2) parliament (legislative)
3) prime minister and government

Question 2

What is the judiciary responsible for

Answer 2

The implementation of law

Question 3

What percentages of judges identify as BME

Answer 3

7%

Question 4

What is the purpose of the Judicial Appointments Commission

Answer 4

An independent commission that selects candidates for judicial office in courts and tribunals in England and Wales.

Question 5

Why was the judicial appointments commission set up

Answer 5

To strengthen judicial independence by taking responsibility for selecting candidates for judicial office
It makes the process more clearer and accountable

Question 6

Describe the Supreme Court

Answer 6

The final court of appeal for all UK civil and criminal cases
Concentrates on cases of the greatest public and constitutional importance

Question 7

What are civil liberties

Answer 7

Includes certain right such as the right to vote, fair trial, privacy and family life

Question 8

What is the European court on human rights

Answer 8

Headquarters in France

In charge with supervising the enforcement of the convention on human rights

Question 9

What is the European court of justice

Answer 9

Interprets EU law to make sure it is applied in the same way in all EU countries and settles legal disputes

Question 10

What is a judicial review

Answer 10

A procedure by which a court can review an administrative action by a public body and secure a declaration, order or award.

Question 11

What is a judicial enquiry

Answer 11

A legal investigation conducted into a matter of public concern by a judge

Question 12

What is judicial neutrality

Answer 12

Ensuring that the judges apply law impartially without bias

Question 13

What is judicial independence

Answer 13

The idea that those who are in the judiciary should be free from control or political influence

Question 14

How is judicial independence maintained

Answer 14

• ‘secure of tenure’ - judges are appointed for life in the UK only restriction is retirement at 75- this prevents them being threatened with sacking by politicians
• separation of powers- Supreme Court moved out of parliament
• independent appointment committee (JAC) brought about greater transparency

Question 15

How is judicial neutrality guaranteed

Answer 15

• anonymity of senior judges- judges operate away from the public eye
• restriction of political activity- not allowed to campaign
• legal justifications- judges must provide written judgements explaining their decision clearly.

Question 16

What may be the threat to judicial neutrality

Answer 16

The fact that most senior judges are traditionally drawn from the same pool, ie white oxbridge middle class middle age men

Question 17

Explain why politicians should have power

Answer 17

• politically independent- can question govt
• operate strictly within law- prevent abuse of power
• key role in conducting judicial review

Question 18

Explain why some argue judges have too much power

Answer 18

• not elected and not accountable
• make judgements which prevent govt from carrying out its function
• challenge sovereignty of parliament