Royal Courts of Justice

:See also the Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Royal Courts of Justice, commonly called the Law Courts, is a building in London, which houses the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Justice of England and Wales. Courts within the building are open to the public although there may be some restrictions depending upon the nature of the cases being held. Although the High Court and the Court of Appeal are called the "Supreme Court", their function is quite different from the American Court of the same name, as they hear far more cases, but have a much less significant constitutional role.

Related Topics:
London - Court of Appeal - High Court of Justice - England and Wales

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Technically, the Court of Appeal is the highest court in England and Wales which is why the head of the Court of Appeal, the Lord Chief Justice, is the highest judge. By quirk of history, however, decisions of the Court of Appeal can be overturned by the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords which, although not strictly a court, is made up of judges called 'Lords of Appeal in the Ordinary' or 'Law Lords'.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The building is a large grey stone edifice in the Victorian Gothic style and was designed by George Edmund Street, a solicitor turned architect, and built in the 1870s. It is on The Strand, in the City of Westminster, near the border with the City of London and the London Borough of Camden. It is surrounded by the four Inns of Court. The nearest tube stations are Chancery Lane and Temple.

Related Topics:
Victorian Gothic - George Edmund Street - Solicitor - Architect - 1870s - The Strand - City of Westminster - City of London - London Borough of Camden - Inns of Court - Chancery Lane - Temple

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Those who do not have legal representation may receive some assistance within the court building. The Citizens Advice Bureau has a small office In the main entrance hall where lawyers provide free advice. There is usually a queue for this service. There is also a Personal Support Unit where litigants in person can get emotional support and practical information about what happens in court.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The main criminal court, housed separately, is the Central Criminal Court, popularly known as the Old Bailey.

Related Topics:
Central Criminal Court - Old Bailey

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~