*/
The new Supreme Court could cause unpredictable changes to the constitution, Lord Neuberger has warned.
The former Law Lord, who is due to return to the Court of Appeal in October to take over as Master of the Rolls, has suggested that the Justices of the Supreme Court will be strengthened and more assertive in their new location.
In an interview on the Radio 4 programme, Top Dogs: Britain’s New Supreme Court, in September, Lord Neuberger said there was a risk of “judges arrogating to themselves greater power than they have at the moment”. He said that to make the reforms “as a result of what appears to have been a last minute decision over a glass of whisky seems to me to verge on the frivolous”. “The danger is you muck around with a constitution like the British constitution at your peril because you do not know what the consequences of any change will be.”
Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor who steered the reform through Parliament, said the Supreme Court Justices would be “bolder” and more willing to take on the Executive.
However, former Law Lord, Lord Bingham said: “I would, myself, heavily discount the notion that because they are not in Parliament any more, they are going to behave diff erently.”
The Supreme Court will be housed in Middlesex Guildhall, which has had a £56 million refurbishment. The 12 Supreme Court Justices crossed London’s Parliament Square from the House of Lords to their new premises in August, and will begin hearing cases on 1 October.
(See also the November issue of Counsel.)
In an interview on the Radio 4 programme, Top Dogs: Britain’s New Supreme Court, in September, Lord Neuberger said there was a risk of “judges arrogating to themselves greater power than they have at the moment”. He said that to make the reforms “as a result of what appears to have been a last minute decision over a glass of whisky seems to me to verge on the frivolous”. “The danger is you muck around with a constitution like the British constitution at your peril because you do not know what the consequences of any change will be.”
Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor who steered the reform through Parliament, said the Supreme Court Justices would be “bolder” and more willing to take on the Executive.
However, former Law Lord, Lord Bingham said: “I would, myself, heavily discount the notion that because they are not in Parliament any more, they are going to behave diff erently.”
The Supreme Court will be housed in Middlesex Guildhall, which has had a £56 million refurbishment. The 12 Supreme Court Justices crossed London’s Parliament Square from the House of Lords to their new premises in August, and will begin hearing cases on 1 October.
(See also the November issue of Counsel.)
The new Supreme Court could cause unpredictable changes to the constitution, Lord Neuberger has warned.
The former Law Lord, who is due to return to the Court of Appeal in October to take over as Master of the Rolls, has suggested that the Justices of the Supreme Court will be strengthened and more assertive in their new location.
The beginning of the legal year offers the opportunity for a renewed commitment to justice and the rule of law both at home and abroad
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
By Kem Kemal of Henry Dannell
By Ashley Friday of AlphaBiolabs
Providing bespoke mortgage and protection solutions for barristers
Joanna Hardy-Susskind speaks to those walking away from the criminal Bar
From a traumatic formative education to exceptional criminal silk – Laurie-Anne Power KC talks about her path to the Bar, pursuit of equality and speaking out against discrimination (not just during Black History Month)
Yasmin Ilhan explains the Law Commission’s proposals for a quicker, easier and more effective contempt of court regime
Irresponsible use of AI can lead to serious and embarrassing consequences. Sam Thomas briefs barristers on the five key risks and how to avoid them
James Onalaja concludes his two-part opinion series
