UK Government - The Supreme Court Flashcards

1
Q

The principle that judges should not be influenced by other branches of government

A

Judicial Independence

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2
Q

The principle that judges should not be influenced by their own opinions

A

Judicial Neutrality

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3
Q

The act that created the court

A

Constitutional Reform Act 2005

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4
Q

The Supreme Court opened in this year

A

2009

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5
Q

The most senior judges used to sit here

A

The House of Lords

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6
Q

Historic roles of the Lord Chancellor

A

Cabinet minister
Chair of sittings in the Lords
Head of the judiciary - who appointed judges

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7
Q

Modern role of Lord Chancellor

A

Head of the judiciary

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8
Q

Judges are now appointed by

A

Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) - Eng and Wales and equivalent bodies in Scotland and NI

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9
Q

The number of legal systems in the UK

A

3 - England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

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10
Q

The only UK wide court is…

A

The Supreme Court

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11
Q

The Supreme Court hears what kind of cases?

A

Final appeal cases and appeals on important constitutional cases

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12
Q

How many members does the court have?

A

12 - but cases are heard by an odd number of judges

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13
Q

How is judicial independence maintained?

A

Terms of employment - can’t be removed.
Pay - so can’t be bribed.
Independent legal profession.
Appointed by the JAC.
Forbidden from active politics
Freedom from criticism
Separate building.

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14
Q

How is judicial neutrality maintained?

A

Judges must declare conflicts of interest
Judges cannot be politically active

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15
Q

What does ultra vires mean?

A

An action taken without the legal authority to do so

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16
Q

What is meant by the term judicial review?

A

The ability of the judiciary to review and reverse decisions made by other branches of government

17
Q

One of the most important roles of the Supreme Court

A

To interpret the 1998 Human Rights Act

18
Q

Does the Supreme Court have the power to strike down laws?

A

No, parliament is sovereign

19
Q

What does a judicial review do?

A

Challenge the way a decision has been made, not the rights and wrongs of that decision