What is the Supreme Court?

Summary

In this video, Stacey Dooley explores the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, revealing its role as the highest court for civil and criminal appeals (excluding Scotland). She uncovers the court's history, its separation from the House of Lords, and its efforts to make legal proceedings more accessible to the public. Through interviews with justices like Lord Kerr and Lady Hale, she delves into the importance of their decisions on national laws. Dooley also highlights the inner workings of the court, the judicial assistants who support the justices, and the public's opportunity to witness high-profile cases firsthand.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the highest court of appeal for civil and most criminal cases in the UK, except Scotland.
• 😀 The Supreme Court was established separately from the House of Lords to maintain a clear separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature.
• 😀 The shift to the new building allowed for better accessibility to the public, with a dedicated exhibition center and guided tours.
• 😀 The courtrooms at the Supreme Court are designed differently from typical courts, with no witness box or jury, fostering a more open and accessible environment for discussion.
• 😀 Cases reach the Supreme Court after passing through multiple lower courts, and they must address important issues of law that affect a wide section of society.
• 😀 The Supreme Court also serves as the highest court of appeal for several Commonwealth countries and British overseas territories, via the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
• 😀 Justices in the Supreme Court do not hear witnesses or decide on facts; they only interpret the law on significant legal matters.
• 😀 A key aspect of the Supreme Court’s role is to establish precedents, meaning once a case is decided, lower courts must follow the ruling in similar cases.
• 😀 Despite the growing number of women in the legal profession, there are still relatively few women appointed as Supreme Court Justices or in senior judicial positions.
• 😀 Judicial Assistants at the Supreme Court play a vital role in supporting the Justices by conducting legal research, summarizing cases, and facilitating the public's understanding of court proceedings.
• 😀 Visitors to the Supreme Court can learn about its work and history through exhibitions, and they are welcome to sit in on court hearings to observe the legal process in action.

Q & A

What is the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, and what is its role?

The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal for all civil cases in the UK and for criminal cases, except those in Scotland. It was established as a separate entity in 2009, following the Constitutional Reform Act of 2005, to ensure a clear division between the judiciary and the legislative powers.

Why was the Supreme Court moved from the House of Lords?

The Supreme Court was moved from the House of Lords to establish a clear separation of powers, ensuring that the judiciary was independent from the legislative functions of the House of Lords. This change also aimed to improve accessibility for the public and make the court more transparent.

What is the role of Lord Kerr in the Supreme Court?

Lord Kerr is one of the Supreme Court Justices, and he explains that the Supreme Court was created to uphold the principle of separation of powers, ensuring that the judiciary is distinct from lawmakers. He also emphasizes the importance of the court's role in interpreting law.

What does the public get to experience when visiting the Supreme Court?

Visitors to the Supreme Court can enjoy an exhibition center and guided tours. The court is designed to be more accessible to the public, offering an opportunity to sit in the public galleries and witness legal proceedings.

What are some of the significant responsibilities of the Supreme Court Justices?

Supreme Court Justices primarily interpret the law in important cases that set precedents, such as deciding the responsibilities of the government in matters like military defense. Their decisions influence the legal system by establishing binding precedents that lower courts must follow.

How does the Supreme Court differ from other courts in terms of case selection?

The Supreme Court only hears cases that address significant legal issues affecting society as a whole. These cases often have far-reaching consequences, setting important precedents for the legal system.

Why does the Supreme Court not have a traditional court layout, like a witness box or jury box?

The Supreme Court operates differently from traditional courts. It does not have a witness box, jury box, or press box because it is an appeal court that discusses the law rather than determining the facts. Justices and barristers sit around a table in a collaborative, open environment to discuss the case.

What is the doctrine of precedent, and how does it apply in the Supreme Court?

The doctrine of precedent means that once the Supreme Court makes a ruling on a legal issue, that decision becomes binding on all other courts. Lower courts must follow the legal principles established by the Supreme Court in similar cases.

What challenges do women face in becoming Supreme Court Justices?

There are fewer women in senior legal positions, and therefore fewer women eligible to be appointed as justices. The lack of women in higher-ranking roles within the legal profession contributes to this disparity, though efforts are being made to address this imbalance.

What is the role of a Judicial Assistant in the Supreme Court?

Judicial Assistants in the Supreme Court assist by researching cases, summarizing them for public understanding, and helping Justices by discussing legal arguments. They provide valuable support in the judicial process and gain exposure to high-level legal work.