The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom: jurisdiction and procedure

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (UKSC) was established by section 23 of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 and it commenced its sittings on 1 October 2009. The procedure of the Supreme Court is governed by the Supreme Court Rules 2009 which were made by the President of the Supreme Court. With the 14 Practice Directions which supplement the Rules, the Rules provide the practice and procedure to be followed by the Court. The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 requires that the Rules are ‘simple and simply expressed’ and that the Court is ‘accessible, fair and efficient’. These words are very important in underpinning the approach adopted by the Court. The attitude of the Registry staff is to be of assistance to practitioners. Also, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC), has moved from its purpose‐built courtroom in 9 Downing Street to be accommodated within the new UK Supreme Court.