Hierarchy of the Courts

• 1. Supreme court - Most senior court in the UK and its decisions bind all the courts below it

  • Before the Practice Statement 1966 it was bound by its own decisions, but now it does not have to follow its own decisions, although it usually does
• 2. Court of Appeal - Decisions of the CoA forms binding precedent for all lower courts

  • CoA is bound by decisions of the Supreme Court
  • Generally bound to follow its own decisions apart from exceptions found in Young v Bristol Aeroplane
• 3. High Court - Appellate courts within this court (family division, QBD and chancery) are bound by the Supreme Court and CoA

  • It is bound by its own decisions and the divisions bind those below
  • High Court as a court of first instance is bound by all courts above and binds all lower courts
• 4. Inferior Courts - County, Crown and Magistrates Courts are bound by all higher courts

  • These courts are not bound by their own decisions nor do they bind other courts as they only create persuasive precedent