01/10/2009 – Supreme Court becomes final court of appeal for all civil cases in the UK
A new Supreme Court opens today to become the final court of appeal for all civil cases in the UK.
Set up under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Supreme Court replaces the judicial function of the House of Lords to provide greater clarity and independence in the UK constitution by further separating the judiciary from the legislature. The existing Law Lords will become the first Justices of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, and the Senior Law Lord will become the President.
Welcoming the opening of the new Court, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw said -
'The delivery of the new UK Supreme Court to the people of Britain is a major milestone and one that will ensure greater access to and transparency of the highest court of appeal in the UK.'
NB - As well as being the final court of appeal for all civil cases in the UK, the Supreme Court will also hear criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For more information see the Ministry of Justice news release UK Supreme Court delivered on time and on budget.
The Supreme Court website is available @ www.supremecourt.gov.uk