The Judiciary: Types And Roles Flashcards
What is the main role of a judge?
To make decisions in respect of disputes in a fair and unbiased way, applying the law and following the legal procedure
Who are the superior judges in civil cases?
Justices of the Supreme Court, Lord Justices of Appeal in the Court of Appeal and High Court Judges
Who are the inferior judges in civil cases?
Circuit judges in the County Court, District judges in the County Court, Recorders in the County Court and Tribunal judges
What do Justices of the Supreme Court do?
Hear appeals from lower courts if the case involves a point of general public importance and permission to appeal is given. Any decision made becomes a precedent for all lower courts to follow in future similar cases
What do Lord Justices of Appeal do?
Hear appeals from lower courts. Sit as a panel of three and decisions become precedent for lower courts to follow in future similar cases
What do High Court Judges do?
Allocate the case to the appropriate track, deal with pre-trial issues such as discovering documents and timetabling. They try first instance cases and sit on their own to decide the law and the facts. They preside over the court and decide legal issues and hear evidence then give a reasoned decision. They will decide the amount of damages and the cost of the case
What do Circuit Judges do?
Allocate the case to the appropriate track, deal with pre-trial issues such as discovering documents and timetabling. They try first instance cases and sit on their own to decide the law and the facts. They preside over the court and decide legal issues and hear evidence then give a reasoned decision. They will decide the amount of damages and the cost of the case
What do District judges do?
Deal with small claims
What do Recorders do?
They are part-time judges appointed for 5 years and mainly hear criminal cases but can hear civil claims
What do Tribunal judges do?
Decide disputes in a particular area of law
