October 1, 2009: New UK Supreme Court
The new
UK Supreme Court is
now officially open. Set up under the
Constitutional Reform Act 2005,
the Supreme Court will provide greater clarity in the UK constitution by
further separating the judiciary from the legislature underlining the
independence of our judicial system.
The court will be an independent institution,
presided over by independently appointed law lords.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.
It will assume the jurisdiction of the
current Appellate Committee of the House of Lords and the devolution
jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. It will be the
final court of appeal for all civil cases in the United Kingdom, all
criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and will also assume
the devolution jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Justice Secretary
Jack Straw
commented:
'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.'
'I'm pleased to announce that the renovation of this magnificent building
has been completed on time and within budget. The former Middlesex Guildhall
has been modernised and renovated to the highest standard as appropriate for
its setting and new purpose.'
'Its location on Parliament Square also offers a great symbolic
significance, bringing together the legislature, the executive, the
judiciary and the Church.'
'Members of the public will soon be able to visit the court and view the
outstanding refurbishment that has delivered the most modern of facilities
while respecting the fabric of this historic building.'
The renovation of the Middlesex Guildhall has restored
and revived many of the original features that were concealed by adaptations
over the years, including stonework carvings, original lightwells, and
stained glass windows.
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