The United Kingdom has only had a separate Supreme Court since 2009. Historically, judiciary power belonged to the House of Lords. The Constitutional Reform Act of 2005 created the legal foundation for removing this power from the legislature and creating the Supreme Court.
There are twelve justices in the Supreme Court. Some of them still have seats in the House of Lords but are barred from sitting or voting there until they no longer work for the Supreme Court. New justices appointed to the Supreme Court will not get seats in the House of Lords. At the present time (2022), all twelve justices have either the title Lord or the title Lady.
The Supreme Court does important work as the highest court of appeal, and in interpreting existing laws. Because of the Doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereignty, the Supreme Court cannot change laws made by Parliament.
Creating a separate Supreme Court has made access for the public much easier, both physically and through streaming of cases. The court's work is more open to scrutiny than ever before. Having a separate Supreme Court has also created clearer boundaries between the legislative branch and the judiciary branch.
Questions
How long has the UK had a separate Supreme Court and where was it before?
Why do the justices in today's Supreme Court have titles such as Lord or Lady?
Can the Supreme Court overturn laws it believes are unconstitutional?
What is the role of the UK Supreme Court?
Why do you think there is not one legal system that applies to all of the UK?
Learn more about the Supreme Court
The following link will take you to the official website of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Here you can read about the court, its history, and its work.