Chapter 5 · Government & Law

The Judiciary and Supreme Court

Source: Handbook p.84

Judges (collectively 'the judiciary') interpret the law and ensure trials are fair. The government cannot interfere with judges. If judges find government actions illegal, the government must change policies or ask Parliament to change the law. If judges find public bodies not respecting legal rights, they can order compensation or a change of practice. The UK Supreme Court is the highest court in the land for civil cases and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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The Judiciary and Supreme Court | Life in UK