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Relations Between the Branches

The Supreme Court, judicial independence and judicial review

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 2

Overview

Recall questions on the creation of the Supreme Court, what judicial independence and neutrality require, judicial review, ultra vires and declarations of incompatibility.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Process

How does judicial review enable the Supreme Court to constrain government power?

Key term

Why can't the Supreme Court strike down Acts of Parliament, and what can it do instead?

Numbers

How many justices sit on the Supreme Court?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is the Supreme Court's role in the UK judicial system?

    Model answer

    It is the highest court of appeal in the UK for civil cases and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  2. 2

    When was the Supreme Court established and what did it replace?

    Model answer

    It was established in 2009, replacing the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the highest court.

  3. 3

    How many justices sit on the Supreme Court?

    Model answer

    12 justices, including a President and Deputy President.

  4. 4

    How are Supreme Court justices appointed, and why is this method used?

    Model answer

    They are appointed by an independent selection commission, not by politicians, to protect judicial independence.

  5. 5

    What does judicial neutrality mean?

    Model answer

    Judges must decide cases impartially, without political bias or personal prejudice, based solely on legal principles and evidence.

  6. 6

    What does judicial independence mean?

    Model answer

    The judiciary must be free from interference or pressure from the executive and legislature when making decisions.

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Bhikhu Parekh ( –).
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ACitizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.
BRepresentatives are accountable through free, regular elections.
CGovernment is carried out through parties and Parliament.

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Patriotism means attachment to one’s country.
TrueFalse

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