What does the supreme court do?
I can explain the main role of the Supreme Court.
What does the supreme court do?
I can explain the main role of the Supreme Court.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the UK, powers are separated between the executive, legislative, and judiciary, the separation has evolved over time.
- The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal it ensures a separation of powers between legislative and judiciary.
- The Supreme Court is the UK's final court of appeal for civil and criminal cases and interprets UK law.
- The Supreme Court sets precedents, clarifies laws on important issues, and makes rulings on major political matters.
Keywords
Court - a formal, legal institution where disputes are heard and resolved, and where justice is administered according to the law
Judiciary - the branch of State that is responsible for enforcing the law; it is composed of judges and other legal officials
House of Lords - the upper house of Parliament, composed of life peers and hereditary peers, who scrutinise the bills approved by the House of Commons; the House of Lords meets in the Palace of Westminster
Common misconception
The Supreme Court has the same powers throughout the UK.
While the Supreme Court is the final court of appeal for most cases in the UK, its role in Scotland differs as Scotland has its own distinct legal system. In Scotland, the High Court of Justiciary is the highest court of appeal for criminal cases.
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What does the supreme court do?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What does the supreme court do?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the What is the nature of the British Constitution? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
the branch responsible for enforcing laws and running government.
the branch responsible for interpreting and applying the law.
the branch responsible for making laws.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a formal, legal institution where disputes are heard and resolved.
the branch of State that is responsible for enforcing the law.