The principle of 'Judicial Independence' is a fundamental part of the UK justice system. Which of the following best describes how judges are protected to ensure they can make fair and independent decisions?
- Judges have immunity from being sued for their judicial decisions and cannot be dismissed by the government just because it disagrees with them.Answer
- BJudges are only answerable to the Monarch, who holds the ultimate authority to personally override any judicial decision.
- CJudicial independence is a convention that allows judges to ignore Acts of Parliament if they believe the laws are outdated.
- DJudges are required to be members of the House of Lords to ensure that the judiciary remains part of the legislative process.
Answer
Judges are protected through immunity from being sued for their judicial decisions and the fact that they cannot be dismissed by the government solely due to a disagreement with their rulings.
The correct answer is correct because judicial independence in the UK specifically grants judges immunity from civil lawsuits regarding their decisions and ensures that the government cannot fire them simply because a minister disagrees with a verdict.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Judicial Independence and the protection of the judiciary from political influence.
Estimated Time:45s