The Judiciary

The Judiciary

1. Responsible for adjudication of the law

2. Involved in the interpretation of the constitution

   • If laws are unclear Judges interpret what the law means

3. Trusted because they are independent and incorruptible

   • Typical Background
     • Practised at the bar
     • Born into professional middle class families
     • Educated at public schools and Oxbridge
     • Wealthy and Conservatives

4. Responsible for all matters of criminal crime

   • Deliver appropriate sentences

5. Uphold the will of the legislature

6. Must be independent from other branches of government

   • No political influence or pressure and the system can function freely
   • Should be no interference from govt of the day

7. Independence protected in 3 ways

   • the way in which judges are selected
   • their security of tenure
     • appointed for life, serve until retirement
   • political neutrality