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Power and protection: comparing the US and UK Supreme Courts

Matthew Lakin explores the comparative powers of the US and UK Supreme Courts and the extent to which they protect and uphold civil and constitutional rights

The US Supreme Court building in Washington, DC

All exam boards require candidates to analyse and evaluate the powers of both the US and UK Supreme Courts, with an understanding of the importance of judicial review and ultra vires. Candidates are also required to analyse and assess the extent to which both courts protect civil and constitutional rights.

The UK Supreme Court, which replaced the judicial branch of the House of Lords in 2009, has become an established part of the constitutional furniture of British politics. Nonetheless, it has not been without its controversies. Some have argued that the creation of the UK Supreme Court has expanded the scope of the law and courts at the expense of politics and parliaments. Lord Sumption, former Supreme Court justice, warned judges in his 2019 Reith Lectures against making laws instead of their proper function of interpreting them.

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The 2020 Democratic primaries and caucuses

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Tackling AQA 9-mark questions

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