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. It was established by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 and began operating on 1 October 2009, taking over the judicial functions of the House of Lords.

History

The Supreme Court was created to achieve a complete separation between the United Kingdom's senior judges and the House of Lords, the latter of which had previously acted as the highest court of appeal. The establishment of the Supreme Court was part of a series of constitutional reforms aimed at modernizing the judiciary and enhancing its independence.

Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over all civil cases in the United Kingdom and criminal cases from England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and, in some cases, Scotland. It also has the authority to hear 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 the Deputy President. Justices are appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor.

Location

The Supreme Court is housed in the Middlesex Guildhall in Parliament Square, City of Westminster, London. The building was chosen for its historical significance and its proximity to the Houses of Parliament.

Function

The primary function of the Supreme Court is to act as the final court of appeal in the United Kingdom. It hears cases of the greatest public or constitutional importance and ensures that laws are interpreted and applied consistently. The court also has the power to review the actions of public bodies to ensure they comply with the law.

Notable Cases

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

• R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union
• R (Miller) v The Prime Minister
• R (Evans) v Attorney General

Related Pages

• Judiciary of the United Kingdom
• House of Lords
• Constitutional Reform Act 2005
• President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
• Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
• Middlesex Guildhall

See Also

• Court of Appeal of England and Wales
• High Court of Justice
• Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
• Law of the United Kingdom