UK Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the highest court of appeal for civil cases across the UK and for criminal cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Established in 2009, it assumed the judicial functions previously held by the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords and sits in London, staffed by Justices appointed through an independent process. The Court hears appeals on points of law of general public importance, including constitutional questions and disputes over the interpretation of legislation. In immigration and asylum cases it rules on the lawfulness of government decisions and the meaning of statutory and treaty provisions. Its judgments are binding on lower courts. The Court interprets and applies the law as enacted by Parliament; it does not make policy or legislation.