In R (Miller) v The Prime Minister (2019), the Supreme Court found that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s advice to the Queen to prorogue Parliament was unlawful, stating that such a move had an extreme effect on the functioning of democracy. This was a landmark ruling reinforcing the principle that no one, not even the Prime Minister, is above the law.
Courts are not only places where legal matters are decided, but they are also symbols of authority, justice, and democracy. The design of these courts has evolved over centuries, from grand historical buildings to modern structures that reflect the need for efficiency, accessibility, and security. If you cherished this posting and you would like to receive extra info about UK law firm listings kindly pay a visit to our own web site. As society continues to change, so too does the way courts are designed to meet the needs of the public and the legal system.
The rise of digital technology in courtrooms has led to the creation of "virtual courts," where proceedings can take place entirely online. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many courts to adopt virtual hearings as a means of continuing legal proceedings while maintaining social distancing. As a result, some court buildings are now designed with the infrastructure to support both in-person and virtual hearings, with dedicated spaces for video conferencing and other digital technologies.
Crown courts handle serious criminal cases, including murder, rape, and large-scale fraud. These courts require more advanced facilities, such as larger courtrooms with ample seating for a jury, the defendant, witnesses, legal representatives, and public observers. In addition, Crown Courts often include secure holding cells for defendants in custody, ensuring that individuals who are facing serious charges are kept safely away from the general public. These courts are also equipped with high-quality audiovisual systems, as trials may involve extensive witness testimony, expert evidence, and video recordings that need to be presented in a clear and understandable manner.
One famous example is the case of Donoghue v Stevenson (1932), where the House of Lords (the highest court at the time) laid the foundation for modern negligence law by establishing the principle that individuals owe a duty of care to those who might be affected by their actions. This case is still cited today and exemplifies how judicial decisions can have a long-lasting impact.
County Courts handle civil matters such as landlord and tenant issues, and they also oversee family law and small claims. More serious cases or those involving higher financial stakes may be escalated to the High Court or the Crown Court depending on whether they are civil or criminal in nature.
Moreover, the introduction of court fees has also played a role in limiting access to justice. Court fees are charges imposed on individuals and organizations for the privilege of using the court system. These fees have increased over time, and critics argue that they act as a barrier to justice for individuals on low incomes. Some claim that high court fees effectively price certain individuals out of the legal system, particularly in civil disputes and family law cases.
icj-cij.orgUnlike England and Wales, Scotland has its own legal system that is rooted in a civil law tradition with some elements of common law. This autonomous legal system reflects Scotland's history, culture, and legal development, and continues to function with autonomy under the UK constitutional structure.
They establish legal principles, decide legal cases, and influence the development of the law. The UK's legal system is founded upon a mixture of judge-made law and statute law, and rulings are instrumental in clarifying how the law should be applied in individual cases.
Eco-friendly design is also becoming an increasingly important factor in the design of law courts in the UK. As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability grow, many new court buildings are being designed with a focus on energy efficiency and environmental impact. This includes the use of solar panels, as well as the incorporation of sustainable building materials. Sustainable design not only helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the court system but also serves as a symbol of the legal profession’s commitment to addressing broader societal issues.
UK court decisions are also made publicly available, ensuring transparency and accountability. Judgments are published online, allowing legal professionals, scholars, journalists, and the general public to access them. This openness supports public confidence in the justice system and promotes understanding of the law.
Modernisation of the court system has also been a focus in recent years. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has invested in digital transformation, allowing for online case tracking, virtual hearings, and electronic documentation. These innovations became especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote hearings ensured continuity in legal processes.
