Judiciary

• What is one key role fulfilled by judges in the legal system?

  Statutory interpretation
• Besides interpreting statutes, what is another role of judges?

  Producing a judgement
• What specific role do judges play concerning juries in court?

  Instructing and advising a jury
• Who do judges instruct within the courtroom setting?

  Defendants, claimants, and observers
• What types of consequences can judges impose in court proceedings?

  Sentences and remedies
• Which reform is significantly associated with case management improvements?

  Lord Woolf's reforms
• Which legal instrument allows judges to issue declarations of incompatibility?

  Human Rights Act 1998
• Why is judicial independence considered a crucial aspect of governance?

  It controls state power through judicial review
• Why are judges typically protected from litigation regarding their judicial duties?

  To protect the legal system and uphold independence
• Which legal case is notably associated with Section 4 declarations of incompatibility?

  A and X and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department (2004)
• What specific type of immunity do judges generally possess?

  Immunity from prosecution for judicial functions
• Under what circumstances might a judge potentially face legal action?

  If acting outside their judicial capacity
• What essential characteristic does judicial independence safeguard in the legal process?

  Impartiality and a fair trial
• From whom should judges remain independent to ensure fairness?

  The Executive, interest groups, and litigants
• What restriction applies to judges concerning their involvement in other professions?

  No other paid appointment or profession
• Why is it important for judges to abstain from cases where they have a personal interest?

  To maintain impartiality
• In which case was bias alleged against Lord Hoffmann?

  Re Pinochet Ugarte (1999)
• What constitutes a potential threat to judicial independence in a political context?

  Judges being subordinate to Parliament
• What type of political bias has been observed or suggested in some judges?

  Some show bias towards the right wing
• What concern exists regarding some judges' attitudes, particularly towards women?

  Outdated and stereotypical views
• Who currently holds the position of head of the Judiciary?

  President of the Courts of England and Wales
• Which legislative act replaced the House of Lords with the Supreme Court?

  Constitutional Reform Act 2005
• Who is the head of the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal?

  Lord Chief Justice
• Which type of judges preside in the three divisions of the High Court?

  Judges in the High Court
• What courts are Circuit judges primarily responsible for presiding over?

  Crown Court and county court
• How did the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 affect the Lord Chancellor's powers?

  Severely curtailed them
• Which act specifically outlines the necessary qualifications for judicial appointments?

  The Courts and Legal Services Act 1990
• Through what avenues can aspiring judges typically gain relevant legal experience?

  Practising law, teaching, advising, arbitrating
• What additional requirement applies to superior judges concerning their professional background?

  Seven years as barristers or solicitors
• How many years of legal experience are generally required for inferior judges?

  Seven years of experience in law
• What is the minimum experience requirement for candidates seeking to become district judges?

  Five years of experience
• Which qualities are deemed essential for individuals to serve effectively as judges?

  Integrity, sound judgement, authority, efficiency
• What is a typical requirement regarding the character of judicial candidates?

  No criminal convictions and few driving points
• How were superior judges selected before the establishment of the Judicial Appointments Commission in 2005?

  In secret soundings by the Lord Chancellor
• What significant change did the Judicial Appointments Commission introduce after 2005?

  Established a transparent selection process
• How many members constitute the Judicial Appointments Commission?

  15 members
• What specific task does the Supreme Court Selection Commission undertake?

  Selects candidates for the Supreme Court
• What type of members are included in the Judicial Appointments Commission's composition?

  Six lay members
• What key areas are covered in the training provided to new judges?

  Knowledge of law, judicial skills, social context
• What does the induction programme for newly appointed judges include?

  A residential course of three to five days