Supreme Court Justices

Definition

Supreme Court justices are the judges who preside over the highest court in the UK, responsible for making decisions on legal cases that often involve important constitutional issues. These justices have significant authority as they interpret laws and can influence government actions, particularly concerning the royal prerogative and reserve powers exercised by the Crown or government officials.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supreme Court justices are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, typically from experienced judges or legal experts.
2. The Supreme Court was established in 2009, replacing the House of Lords as the highest court in the UK.
3. Justices serve until the age of 70 or until they choose to retire, ensuring a level of judicial independence.
4. The Supreme Court has the power to hear appeals on important points of law from lower courts, often involving issues related to human rights and public law.
5. Decisions made by the Supreme Court can limit or define the scope of royal prerogative powers, thus affecting how government operates.

Review Questions

• How do Supreme Court justices influence the exercise of royal prerogative powers in the UK?
  • Supreme Court justices play a crucial role in reviewing actions taken under royal prerogative powers. By interpreting laws and adjudicating on cases that challenge these powers, they can either uphold or limit government actions that derive from royal prerogative. This helps ensure that such powers are exercised within legal boundaries and protects against potential abuses by government officials.
• In what ways can judicial review serve as a check on both supreme court justices and reserve powers in the UK?
  • Judicial review allows courts to evaluate whether actions taken by supreme court justices or under reserve powers are legally valid. This mechanism ensures that even high-ranking officials and courts remain accountable to the law. If a case arises questioning the legality of a decision made under reserve powers, judicial review can provide oversight and ensure that such actions comply with constitutional principles.
• Evaluate the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on public perception of royal prerogative powers and their limits.
  • Recent Supreme Court decisions have significantly shaped public perception regarding royal prerogative powers by clarifying their limits and reinforcing accountability mechanisms. Cases that challenge government actions taken without parliamentary approval have highlighted the need for transparency and legality in governance. As a result, public awareness has increased regarding how these powers should be checked, potentially leading to greater calls for reform in how such powers are exercised within a modern democratic context.

Related terms

Judicial Review:

The power of the courts to assess whether a law or action by the government is in compliance with the constitution.

Royal Prerogative: The discretionary powers of the Crown that are exercised by ministers, which can include matters like foreign policy and the appointment of judges.

Constitutional Law: A body of law that defines the relationship between different entities within a state, particularly the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.