The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for
civil cases. It hears appeals in criminal cases from England,
Wales and Northern Ireland. It hears cases of the greatest public
or constitutional importance affecting the whole population.

The importance of the Supreme Court decisions, is not to be underestimated. They affect not only the parties bringing the case in question, but because of the system of precedent in the UK, the decisions also bind all other courts and therefore shape British law in an important way. You can find details of the judgements of the Supreme Court here.

The Supreme Court was created from 2009 by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. Up until this time, it sat as the House of Lords (the highest appellate court in the country). The Supreme Court, as a separate entity and building, was created to emphasise the “Separation of Powers” between the government, as the law makers and the judges, as those who apply the law.

The Supreme Court consists of 12 justices who are supported in their role by a number of executive staff. The current composition of the 12 justices can be found here. Of particular note is Baroness Hale of Richmond, who was born in Yorkshire in 1945 and was a lecturer at the University of Manchester as well as being called to the bar. Proving that an academic background is also possible in the judiciary! She is the most senior female judge in the whole of the United Kingdom and has ruled on a number of groundbreaking family law judgements.

All British judges (including Supreme Court justices) are forced to retire at the age of 70 if first appointed to a judicial office after 31 March 1995, or at the age of 75 otherwise.

The Supreme Court shares its members and accommodation with the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council which hears final appeals from certain smaller Commonwealth realms and Colonies, admiralty cases and statutory private jurisdictions, such as professional and academic bodies.

 

In respect of European Union law the Supreme Court is subject to the decisions of the European Court of Justice. Since there can be no appeal from the Supreme Court, there is a procedure under the European treaties by which the Supreme Court may refer to the European Court questions of European law which arise in cases before it, and obtain a definitive ruling before the Supreme Court gives its judgment. This process attempts to create harmony with Europe and helps ensure that the decisions of the Supreme Court are in-line with European Union law.

The Supreme Court is located in the former Guildhall building in Parliament Square and is open to the public from the hours of 10am until 4.30pm on weekdays. It is a beautiful neo-gothic building originally designed by Scottish architect James Gibson (1864 – 1951).

 

 

Visiting the court is not only a treat for people who wish to see our country’s legal system in operation, it is also a delight for art lovers, as the Supreme Court houses an art exhibition of not only the collection of artwork found in the building originally (which was removed, cleaned and restored during the buildings remodelling) but also newly commissioned art-work such as the Supreme Court emblem. Even the carpet of the Supreme Court is a work of art! Designed by Sir Peter Blake of 'Sergeant Pepper' fame, it is a “pop-art” carpet. Its design is made up of the symbols representing the four nations of the United Kingdom.

The building also features a permanent exhibition on the history of the UK’s highest court as well as a number of temporary exhibitions which will be available from time to time.

In short, a visit to the Supreme Court makes for an interesting day out!