The Times- 22nd October
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article2709537.ece
“High drama of appeals at new Supreme Court may go out on television”
The Supreme Court:
Under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Supreme Court is being created, ending the Lord Chancellor’s position as being the head of the judiciary and the role of the House of Lords as being the highest court in England. The 12 law lords, headed by Lord Bingham of Cornhill, are to become the first justices of the supreme court which is scheduled to open in October 2009 in Parliament Square.
The Court will:
— Hear appeals on arguable points of law of general public importance
— Act as the final court of appeal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
— Hear appeals from civil cases in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland and criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
— Assume the devolution jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The Commonwealth jurisdiction of the council will remain unchanged.
The current law lords (Lords of Appeal in Ordinary) will remain as members of the House of Lords when the supreme court opens. However new appointees, who will be selected by a new commission, will not be members of the Lords.
Latest news:
Cameras will be allowed to broadcast high-profile hearings, such as the legality of detaining terror suspects without trial, before the new supreme court on television. Judges say that Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, is keen to permit cameras into the court as part of the aim to make it more transparent. But Straw has indicated to judges that he does not favour allowing cameras into jury trials. Judges widely oppose it because they perceive it as a step towards American-style justice that could damage the nature of court proceedings. Mr Straw has told judges that he wants to proceed but only with their full support. Senior judges are said to be in favour of the plan. (Source: Department for Constitutional Affairs)
Summary by Abirami Ragukaran and Sonum Bagha
