Study online at https://quizlet.com/_f8cx1i
1. What is the role - Has the power to hear appeals and review the actions of other public bodies,
of the Supreme which allows it to establish new rules (which establish precedents for all cases)
Court?
- Concentrates on cases of the greatest public and constitutional importance
2. Example of a In the case of R v Jogee (2016), the S.C. used its power to change the rules on joint
precedent being enterprise.
set
3. What are the - Took over judicial roles performed by law lords
functions of the - Act as a final court of appeal, hear appeals from civil cases
Supreme Court? - Clarify the meaning of 'law' by hearing appeals with uncertainty attached
- Set precedents that affects subsequent cases
4. What is Traditionally, appointments to the senior judiciary were made by the monarch on
the Appoint- advice from the PM and Lord Chancellor; Lord Chancellor would consult senior
ments Process judges through secret soundings, which were informal and secretive meetings -
of the Supreme lack of transparency led to accusations of elitism!)
Court? ( Consid-
er: Traditionally Now: In order to be considered for appointment as a S.C. justice, candidates
vs Now) must have either held high judicial office for at least 2 years, or been a qualifying
practitioner for 15 years.
Vacancies are filled by an ad hoc selection commission. This five-member com-
mission, according to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, should comprise of: the
president of the S.C; the deputy president; one member of the JAC; one member
of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland; and one member of the Northern
Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission. This shows representation of all parts
of the UK.
PROCESS:
Vacancy arises --> Selection commission convened to consider possible nomina-
tions and make a selection --> Commission submit a report to the Lord Chancellor
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