The Supreme Court

When was the Supreme Court first opened?

2009

How many justices are there?

12

Which Act created the Supreme Court?

The Constitutional Reform Act

What did the movement of the highest court from the House of Lords to the Supreme Court symbolise?

Greater independence

Judgements by courts which become established in law and must be followed by other courts unless overturned by a senior court.

Judicial precedent

Ultra vires

Literally 'beyond power' - a case where it is claimed that a public body has exceeded its legal powers

What is the head of the Supreme Court called?

President

Who heads the judiciary?

The Chief Lord Justice, not the Lord Chancellor

Who appoints members of the Supreme Court?

An independent selection commission with no political influence

What does the Supreme Court have a constitutional responsibility to uphold?

The European Convention on Human Rights

Which convention of the 1940s stated that the House of Lords can not block any proposals stated in the government's election manifesto?

The Salisbury Convention

Which institution is legally sovereign?

Parliament

What does JAC stand for?

Judicial Appointment Commission

Where are justices no longer able to sit since the creation of the Supreme Court?

The House of Lords

Name two key operating principles of the Supreme Court

Judicial neutrality and judicial independence

Justices are often accused of being this

'male, pale and stale'

Which word can be used to best describe justices?

'Establishment'

Who is bound by an oath to preserve the principle of judicial independence?

Lord Chancellor

What has the HRA, 1998 made it possible for the Supreme Court to issue?

A declaration of incompatibility

Can parliament still ignore declarations of incompatibility by the Supreme Court?

Yes

When was R v Horncastle?

2009

Who challenged the Security Service in 2011?

Al Rawi

When was the Nicklinson v Ministry of Justice?

2014

Which alliance went against the Secretary of State for Transport in 2014?

HS2 Action