Judges Flashcards
(28 cards)
Who are Justices of the Supreme Court appointed from?
Judges in the Court of Appeal or those qualified to appear in senior courts for at least 15 years.
How many Justices can sit in the Supreme Court?
A maximum of 12.
What is the Supreme Court’s function?
It hears final appeals from all courts in the UK.
What experience must a Lord Justice of Appeal have?
Qualified as a barrister or solicitor with 7 years’ experience, or be a High Court Judge.
What courts do Lords Justices of Appeal sit in?
Civil and Criminal Divisions of the Court of Appeal.
What are the two divisions in the Court of Appeal?
Civil Division (appeals from County/High Court) and Criminal Division (appeals from Crown Court).
What qualifications must a High Court Judge have?
Qualified solicitor or barrister with 7 years’ experience or a Circuit Judge for 2 years.
What cases do Queen’s Bench High Court Judges hear?
High-value civil claims and serious criminal cases like murder.
What cases do Chancery Division Judges hear?
Commercial claims, company liquidations, and partnership disputes.
What cases do Family Division Judges hear?
Property, financial, and children-related disputes in relationships.
What experience does a Circuit Judge need?
10 years’ audience rights and usually served as Recorder or District Judge.
Where do Circuit Judges hear cases?
County Court (tort, contract, family).
Crown Court (criminal trials, sentencing).
What do Recorders do?
Part-time judges hearing less serious civil and criminal cases.
What’s required to be a District Judge?
Qualified barrister or solicitor with 5 years’ experience, or a Deputy District Judge.
What cases do District Judges hear?
Civil: Low-value claims in County & Small Claims Court.
Criminal: Summary and triable-either-way offences in Magistrates’ Court.
What do judges do before civil trials?
Handle pre-trial matters like case management and timetabling.
What are the judge’s duties at a civil trial?
Hear evidence & arguments.
Decide facts & law.
Decide who wins.
Award damages/remedies.
Decide legal costs.
What do civil appeal judges do?
Hear legal arguments only.
Decide if the original decision stands.
Can allow/dismiss/vary the appeal.
When can a case go to the Supreme Court?
When there is an important point of law or public importance.
What is the judge’s role in a criminal trial?
Oversee procedure.
Rule on law points.
Direct jury.
Sentence the defendant.
What can a District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) do?
Decide guilt.
Sentence the offender.
Has same powers as lay magistrates.
What does a Crown Court judge do?
Sit with a jury.
Rule on law.
Direct the jury.
Sentence if defendant is guilty.
What must judges consider at sentencing?
Legal submissions and any reports on the defendant.
What do judges review in appeal courts?
Whether the law was applied correctly and the hearing was properly conducted.
