UK GOV- Branches 4.1.1 Introduction to the Supreme Court Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the highest appellate court in the UK?
The UK Supreme Court
What is required for a candidate to be eligible for the Supreme Court?
Must have held high judicial office for at least two years and been a qualified legal practitioner for at least 15 years.
Who convenes the independent selection commission for Supreme Court candidates?
The Lord Chancellor
Who is included in the selection commission for interviewing Supreme Court candidates?
The President of the UKSC, a senior UK Judge not on the UKSC, a member of the Judicial Appointment Commission, a member of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland, and a member of the NI Judicial Appointments Commission.
What options does the Lord Chancellor have after receiving the commission’s recommendation?
Accept, reject, or ask for reconsideration.
Who formalizes the appointment of a successful Supreme Court candidate?
The King
Fill in the blank: The _______ Court handles serious criminal cases.
Crown
True or False: The High Court in the UK only handles civil cases.
False
What is the UK judiciary responsible for?
- Interpreting and enforcing UK law
- Checking the legality of government actions
- Upholding the rights and liberties of individuals
- Resolving devolutionary disputes
What major change did the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 introduce?
It produced the UK Supreme Court, replacing the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the highest court in the land.
What is the role of the Supreme Court?
- Acts as the final court of appeal in Civil and Criminal Cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Hears appeals on issues of particular public importance
- Concentrates on cases of the greatest constitutional importance
True or False: The UK Supreme Court can legislate for a referendum.
False
How many justices sit on the UK Supreme Court as of March 2025?
12 justices
What is the mandatory retirement age for justices in the UK Supreme Court?
75 years old
List the steps in selecting a Supreme Court justice.
- Step 1: Eligibility criteria
- Step 2: Independent selection commission interviews
- Step 3: Lord Chancellor receives recommendations
Who is the current President of the Supreme Court?
Lord Reed
What is the typical number of justices that hear each case?
5 justices
Fill in the blank: The Lord Chancellor’s role was reduced to a _______ position after the CRA.
ceremonial
What percentage of the Supreme Court’s justices have been male historically?
84.8%
What is the significance of the Judicial Appointments Commission?
It is chiefly responsible for the selection of senior justices, removing opaque appointments by the Lord Chancellor.
What is the Supreme Court’s role in resolving legal disputes?
It resolves legal disputes between the devolved governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales and the UK Parliament.
What was the last section of the UK course called?
Relations between branches
True or False: All justices of the UK Supreme Court have been white.
True
What is the current composition of the Supreme Court in terms of gender?
Currently, there are 2 women sitting on the bench.
