The Supreme Court, located in London, is the highest court in the jurisdiction for all civil cases, and for criminal cases. Established in 2009, it succeeded the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the final court of appeal. Its creation aimed to separate the judiciary from the legislature and strengthen the independence of the judicial system.
The Supreme Court is composed of 12 Justices, including a President and Deputy President, who are appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister and a selection commission.
The court primarily hears cases of public or constitutional importance that raise issues of the greatest legal significance.
It does not conduct trials but reviews decisions made by lower courts.
Its rulings set binding precedents for all other UK courts and the court also has a constitutional role in interpreting the powers of the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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