judicial independence

• Yes - Constitutional reform act of 2005

  • Established an independent Supreme Court
  • Changed the role of the Lord Chancellor; used to sit in all three branches
  • Created the JAC
  • Moved the highest court from the House of Lords to Middlesex
• Yes - guarantees of independence

  • Cannot be removed from office for a decision
  • Security of tenure -> open ended term, retire at 75 e.g. Lady Hale had to retire in 2020
  • Guaranteed salary from independent conslolidated fund
  • Appointed by JAC -> transparent and independent process but LC part of the process
• Yes - subjudice prevents MPs from interfering with current cases by discussing them openly, can be held in contempt of court
• Yes - judgements have been contrary to both Labour and Conservative govts
• No - influence by ministers over final appointment -> lead politicans consulted + LC is a member of Parliament, current MP Chalk of Cheltenham
• No - some justices are Lords e.g. Reed and Keir who will be able to sit in the House of Lords once they step down
• No - contained by the principal of Parliamentary sovreignty