Menu
25/02/2004
Government Bill outlines plans for new Supreme Court
Plans to set up an independent Supreme Court as the UK's highest court of appeal have been published today in the Constitutional Reform Bill.
The Supreme Court will be the final court of appeal for England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and the final civil court of appeal for Scotland. It will also rule on devolution issues - a role currently performed by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Under the proposals, the court will have its own staff, budget and be established its own building.
The court's 12 judges, to be known as Justices of the Supreme Court, will not be allowed to sit in the House of Lords as members. The current Law Lords will become the first 12 Justices of the Supreme Court. Future appointments will be made through an independent appointments system.
The Bill also introduces measures to abolish the office of Lord Chancellor. The functions will be transferred to the President of the Courts of England and Wales - a post to be filled by the current Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf.
The Bill also: legally binds government Ministers to uphold the independence of the judiciary; and introduces a Judicial Appointments Commission to appoint judges, independent of political patronage.
Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs Lord Falconer said the changes would "inspire more transparency, more openness and greater public confidence in Britain's constitution".
He added: "The package of reforms I am announcing today will guarantee judicial independence and help modernise the justice system.
"Separating government, Parliament and the courts will be a significant step forward for the constitution and the country."
Today's Bill follows a four-month consultation in 2003.
(gmcg)
The Supreme Court will be the final court of appeal for England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and the final civil court of appeal for Scotland. It will also rule on devolution issues - a role currently performed by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Under the proposals, the court will have its own staff, budget and be established its own building.
The court's 12 judges, to be known as Justices of the Supreme Court, will not be allowed to sit in the House of Lords as members. The current Law Lords will become the first 12 Justices of the Supreme Court. Future appointments will be made through an independent appointments system.
The Bill also introduces measures to abolish the office of Lord Chancellor. The functions will be transferred to the President of the Courts of England and Wales - a post to be filled by the current Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf.
The Bill also: legally binds government Ministers to uphold the independence of the judiciary; and introduces a Judicial Appointments Commission to appoint judges, independent of political patronage.
Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs Lord Falconer said the changes would "inspire more transparency, more openness and greater public confidence in Britain's constitution".
He added: "The package of reforms I am announcing today will guarantee judicial independence and help modernise the justice system.
"Separating government, Parliament and the courts will be a significant step forward for the constitution and the country."
Today's Bill follows a four-month consultation in 2003.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2009
Law Lords Lose Out To Courts
The final court of appeal for all UK civil cases - and criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland - has today undergone an historic change. A new Supreme Court takes over from the House of Lords as the highest court in the land.
Law Lords Lose Out To Courts
The final court of appeal for all UK civil cases - and criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland - has today undergone an historic change. A new Supreme Court takes over from the House of Lords as the highest court in the land.
06 May 2004
Supermodel wins privacy case against Daily Mirror
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has successfully won a landmark privacy case taken against the Daily Mirror.
Supermodel wins privacy case against Daily Mirror
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has successfully won a landmark privacy case taken against the Daily Mirror.
08 October 2010
Delays For Asbestos Victims
More delays are now expected for asbestos victims after appeal judges referred their compensation claims to the Supreme Court. Judges were unable to agree on a High Court ruling that insurers are liable for damages from when the victims were exposed to asbestos.
Delays For Asbestos Victims
More delays are now expected for asbestos victims after appeal judges referred their compensation claims to the Supreme Court. Judges were unable to agree on a High Court ruling that insurers are liable for damages from when the victims were exposed to asbestos.
27 November 2013
Guesthouse Owners Lose Supreme Court Appeal
The owners of a guesthouse, ordered to pay almost £4,000 to a couple they refused to allow in their business because they are gay, have lost their Supreme Court appeal. In 2008 Steven Preddy and Martyn Hall were turned away from Hazelmary and Peter Bull's Cornwall guesthouse, Chymorvah House.
Guesthouse Owners Lose Supreme Court Appeal
The owners of a guesthouse, ordered to pay almost £4,000 to a couple they refused to allow in their business because they are gay, have lost their Supreme Court appeal. In 2008 Steven Preddy and Martyn Hall were turned away from Hazelmary and Peter Bull's Cornwall guesthouse, Chymorvah House.
30 October 2013
Supreme Court Rule Against Govt In Work Scheme Appeal
The Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that the government's flagship "back to work" scheme was legally flawed. Ministers had brought a case to the Supreme Court in an effort to overturn an earlier ruling that regulations underpinning the schemes were invalid.
Supreme Court Rule Against Govt In Work Scheme Appeal
The Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that the government's flagship "back to work" scheme was legally flawed. Ministers had brought a case to the Supreme Court in an effort to overturn an earlier ruling that regulations underpinning the schemes were invalid.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
