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The new UK Supreme Court opens on 1 October and will be sitting for the first time on 5 October in Parliament Square, London. The constitutional implications of physically separating the senior judiciary from the legislature will take time to emerge. However, the new court will have an immediate practical impact on lawyers who have cases before the Supreme Court.
The former Law Lords become Justices of the Supreme Court with Lord Phillips the former Lord Chief Justice becoming the President of the Supreme Court. The most significant change the new court will bring is to allow the public to have greater access to proceedings. They will be able to observe proceedings in the courts via television screens in the exhibition area. Broadcasters will also be able to use footage of proceedings. The increased public access will mean greater security precautions. Lawyers involved in cases before the Supreme Court are strongly advised to contact the court the week before they are due to appear to arrange passes for themselves and their clients so they can be fast tracked through security.
Procedures
The procedures are similar to those that used to apply in the House of Lords and the new rules are closely modeled on those introduced for the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council earlier this year. They will be applied with a degree of flexibility and common sense in the early days of the Supreme Court. The rules can be found on the Supreme Court website. Any comments on the operation of the Rules from lawyers would be welcomed by the Supreme Court. These can be addressed to the Registrar.
The Court forms have been revised and are now similar to forms used in other courts. They are also available on the Supreme Court website. Documents can be filed at the public counter on the ground floor.
Every effort will be made to accommodate advocates' availability when arranging the listing for cases before the Supreme Court. Judgments will be delivered in court and posted on the website with a short summary for the public. Advocates will not be required to attend to hear a judgment.
For more information go to: www.supremecourt.gov.uk To find out more about how we can help you, please contact Carvill & Johnson in Northfield, Birmingham.
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