Supreme court

Question 1

When was the Suprme Court established?

Answer 1

2009

Question 2

What was the Supreme Court established by?

Answer 2

Constitutional Reform Act 2005

Question 3

What roles did the Constitutional Reform Act (2005) give the Supreme Court?

Answer 3

1. To act ask the final court of appeal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
2. To hear appeals on issues of public importance surrounding arguable points of law
3. To hear appeals from civil cases in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland
4. To hear appeals from criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Question 4

What change did the Constitutional Reform Act (2005) bring?

Answer 4

Changed role of Lord Chancellor - Removed him as head of judiciary (who appointed other judges), and HoL speakership. Aim was to ensure more independent appointments
Created independent SC
Established independent Judiciary Appointment Commission (JAC) - Vets proposals for appointments to senior judicial appointments to senior judicial posts and ensures political independence of nominees (removes political influence of PM and Lord Chancellor from appointments - Lord Chancellor used to have final say on appointments)

Question 5

How many SC judges are there?

Answer 5

12

Question 6

How many judges hear each cases?

Answer 6

An odd number to ensure a majority verdict

Question 7

Appointment of judges process

Answer 7

Nominations are put to JAC
Lord Chancellor confirms or rejects the person put forward
Appointment also confirmed by PM and monarcj

Question 8

When do SC judges retire?

Answer 8

Age 70 if appointed after 1995, 75 otherwise

Question 9

Can judges sit in the House of Lords?

Answer 9

Yes, after their term has come to an end