What are the limitations imposed on the supreme court? Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is one major limitation imposed on the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court cannot create laws; it can only interpret existing laws.
True or False: The Supreme Court has the power to enforce its own rulings.
False
Fill in the blank: The Supreme Court is limited by the __________ of Parliament.
sovereignty
What is judicial review?
Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine the actions of the executive and legislative branches.
Which principle limits the Supreme Court’s ability to hear cases?
The principle of standing, which requires that a party must have a sufficient connection to the matter at hand.
What is the role of the Lord Chancellor in relation to the Supreme Court?
The Lord Chancellor has the power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court.
True or False: The Supreme Court can overturn its own previous decisions.
True
What is the significance of the Human Rights Act 1998 for the Supreme Court?
It requires the Supreme Court to interpret laws in a way that is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Which body can ultimately override the Supreme Court’s decisions?
Parliament can pass new legislation to override Supreme Court decisions.
What is meant by ‘judicial activism’?
Judicial activism refers to the Supreme Court’s willingness to expand its interpretation of laws, which can be seen as a limitation by critics.
Fill in the blank: The Supreme Court must operate within the framework of __________ law.
statutory
What is one way in which public opinion can limit the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court may be influenced by public opinion, as decisions that are unpopular can lead to calls for judicial reform.
True or False: The Supreme Court’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
True
What is the ‘separation of powers’ principle?
The separation of powers is a doctrine that divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Which Act established the Supreme Court in its current form?
The Constitutional Reform Act 2005.
Short answer: How does the Supreme Court’s composition limit its decisions?
The composition of the Supreme Court, including the number of justices and their backgrounds, can influence the perspectives and interpretations applied to cases.
What is meant by ‘precedent’ in the context of the Supreme Court?
Precedent refers to previous judicial decisions that guide future cases, limiting the Court’s ability to decide cases freely.
Fill in the blank: The Supreme Court’s power is limited by the principle of __________.
judicial restraint
True or False: The Supreme Court can initiate cases on its own.
False
What is one limitation related to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction?
The Supreme Court can only hear cases that fall within its defined jurisdiction, which is often set by law.
