Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

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The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the highest court in the United Kingdom for civil cases, and for criminal cases from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It was established by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 and began work on 1 October 2009, taking over the judicial functions of the House of Lords.

History

Prior to the establishment of the Supreme Court, the highest court in the United Kingdom was the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords. The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 aimed to separate the judiciary from the legislature and the executive, thus creating a distinct and independent Supreme Court.

Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over all matters of English law, Welsh law, Northern Irish law, and Scottish civil law. It hears cases of the greatest public or constitutional importance affecting the whole population.

Composition

The Supreme Court is composed of 12 Justices, including the President and Deputy President. Justices are appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor, following a selection process conducted by an independent selection commission.

Function

The primary function of the Supreme Court is to act as the final court of appeal in the United Kingdom. It hears appeals on arguable points of law of the greatest public importance. The court also has the power to determine devolution issues, which are legal questions about the powers of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Significant Cases

The Supreme Court has presided over several landmark cases, including:

• R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (2017) - concerning the process of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.
• R (Miller) v The Prime Minister (2019) - regarding the prorogation of Parliament.

Building

The Supreme Court is housed in the Middlesex Guildhall on Parliament Square in London. The building was refurbished to accommodate the court and provide facilities for the public and the media.

Also see

• Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
• Court of Appeal of England and Wales
• High Court of Justice
• Constitutional Reform Act 2005
• House of Lords