Law and Rights
The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 s.23 created the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. It has to have a minimum of 12 Justices (or "members"). The court held its first sitting on 1st October 2009 and the previous Lords of Appeal In Ordinary became the first members. The Act sets out a rather convoluted procedure for the appointment of new justices and, as part of this procedure, the Lord Chancellor has significant powers. He convenes
the Selection Commission, may give guidance to the Commission as to matters to be taken into account and, when the Commission makes a selection, he may, for example, ask the Commission to reconsider its selection.
It may surprise some to know that appointments do not have to be made from the ranks of existing judges. Barristers or Solicitors of 15 years standing are eligible to apply - (see s.25 for the qualification required). This mirrors the system which existed for appointments to the former House of Lords Judicial Committee.
In 2010, there was an advertisement for two new justices - "Information Pack: Vacancy for two Justices of the Supreme Court." A Selection Commission has been sitting to decide who the nominations will be. Out of the process will emerge two nominations to be presented to the Prime Minister who then recommends to Her Majesty the chosen names.
It is interesting to see in the Information Pack that the Commission would be looking not merely for legal ability but also qualities of social awareness and understanding of the contemporary world; an ability to work with colleagues, respecting their views, but also being able to challenge and debate in a constructive way; a willingness to participate in the wider representational role of a Supreme Court Justice (e.g. delivering lectures, participating in conferences, talking to students and other groups) and vision, coupled with an appreciation of the role of the Court in contributing to the development of the law.
There has been a certain amount of speculation as to who the latest appointees are likely to be. An announcement is expected in the very near future.
Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
Courtesy Titles for Justices of the Supreme Court
Justices and Confirmation Hearings?
Addendum 30th March: Writing in The Guardian 29th March, Dr Erika Rackley (Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Durham) argues that "We need a more diverse Supreme Court."
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Law and Rights
Selecting Justices of the Supreme Court - New appointments awaited
the Selection Commission, may give guidance to the Commission as to matters to be taken into account and, when the Commission makes a selection, he may, for example, ask the Commission to reconsider its selection.
It may surprise some to know that appointments do not have to be made from the ranks of existing judges. Barristers or Solicitors of 15 years standing are eligible to apply - (see s.25 for the qualification required). This mirrors the system which existed for appointments to the former House of Lords Judicial Committee.
In 2010, there was an advertisement for two new justices - "Information Pack: Vacancy for two Justices of the Supreme Court." A Selection Commission has been sitting to decide who the nominations will be. Out of the process will emerge two nominations to be presented to the Prime Minister who then recommends to Her Majesty the chosen names.
It is interesting to see in the Information Pack that the Commission would be looking not merely for legal ability but also qualities of social awareness and understanding of the contemporary world; an ability to work with colleagues, respecting their views, but also being able to challenge and debate in a constructive way; a willingness to participate in the wider representational role of a Supreme Court Justice (e.g. delivering lectures, participating in conferences, talking to students and other groups) and vision, coupled with an appreciation of the role of the Court in contributing to the development of the law.
There has been a certain amount of speculation as to who the latest appointees are likely to be. An announcement is expected in the very near future.
Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
Courtesy Titles for Justices of the Supreme Court
Justices and Confirmation Hearings?
Addendum 30th March: Writing in The Guardian 29th March, Dr Erika Rackley (Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Durham) argues that "We need a more diverse Supreme Court."
- The Legal Year Commences ~ Formalities
The 2012-13 Legal Year commenced today with the traditional Judges Service at Westminster Abbey followed by "the Lord Chancellor's breakfast" in Westminster Hall - see Ministry of Justice . The Ministry of Justice website informs us that - "The...
- A Report, A Consultation And An Important Job Vacancy
Home Affairs Committee - report on the US-UK Extradition Treaty in the conclusion section the committee states: The Committee is proposing significant changes to the extradition arrangements between the US and the UK not because we are critical...
- Selecting The Senior Judiciary
Updated 27th March: The think-tank Centreforum has issued a report - "Guarding the Guardians: Towards an independent, accountable and diverse senior judiciary" - (PDF, 78 pages - Executive Summary and 7 Chapters). See also Centreforum's...
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The Supreme Court Justices 2009"Let the judges also remember, that Solomon's throne was supported by lions on both sides: let them be lions, but yet lions under the throne; ..." (Francis Bacon' - 1561-1626 - Of Judicature ). This post considers...
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Before the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 Part 4 the appointment of judges was something of a mysterious process managed by the Lord Chancellor who was, at the time, head of the judiciary. The whole process was likened to a "tap on the shoulder." ...