judiciary info

Constitutional Reform Act 2005

* created the UK Supreme Court
* Law Lords were replaced by the Supreme Court
* strengthened separation of powers
* formed the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) so that judges were independent and chosen on merit through four competition

role of the Supreme Court

* hears appeals on laws and points of public importance
* hears cases of the greatest public and constitutional importance
* acts as the final court of appeal for all civil and criminal cases
* adjudicates on devolved legislatures

how are judges appointed

* candidates interviewed by select commission chaired by the President of the Supreme Court and another non Supreme Court senior judge
* candidates must have held judicial high office for at least two years or satisfy the 15 year eligibility condition

powers of the Supreme Court

1) judicial review - the right the rule on a decision taken by a public authority is lawful

2) judicial review of the HRA - the right to rule a decision or action incompatible with the HRA

judicial independence and neutrality (how?)

* made up of 12 unelected and unaccountable judges
* decisions must be independent and impartial