UK supreme court case studies

Steinfeld & Keiden 2018: This case focused on the issue of civil partnerships, challenging the legal label that restricted access based on sexual orientation. The court ruled that the civil partnership law was discriminatory, paving the way for same-sex couples to achieve equal rights with heterosexual couples.

Tigere v Secretary of State: This case involved the immigration status of Zimbabwean national, Miss Tigere, who challenged the refusal of public funds for her education. The court found that the refusal was discriminatory against non-UK residents, under Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This case highlighted the application of equality principles in public law.

Miller v PM: This landmark case scrutinized the Prime Minister's decision to prorogue Parliament prior to Brexit, arguing that it was unlawful as it limited parliamentary sovereignty. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the prorogation was unconstitutional, thus reinforcing the role of Parliament in the constitutional framework.

Miller v Secretary of State: In this case, the Supreme Court addressed whether the government could trigger Article 50 (the formal process of leaving the EU) without parliamentary approval. The court ruled that Parliament must be involved in the decision-making process, reaffirming the importance of parliamentary democracy and scrutiny.

Reilly v DWP: This case revolved around the legality of the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) welfare reform, specifically concerning the cuts to the Employment and Support Allowance. The court found that the DWP had failed to properly consider the impact of the cuts on vulnerable individuals, stressing the importance of ensuring fairness and justice in welfare policies.