What happens when a devolved bill is referred to the UK Supreme Court?
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill (Northern Ireland) has been referred to the UK Supreme Court. We explain why, and how a bill reference works.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill (Northern Ireland) has been referred to the UK Supreme Court. We explain why, and how a bill reference works.
Learn more about the UK Supreme Court, how it came into existence, and why it replaced the House of Lords as the UK's highest court.
A debate on the sentencing of repeat offenders will take place in Westminster Hall scheduled for Tuesday 21st June 2022, from 2:30pm. Grahame Morris MP will open the debate.
Research Briefing
The House of Lords has proposed changes to the Government's judicial review reforms. MPs will consider them on Tuesday 26 April 2022.
Debate Pack
A Westminster Hall debate on the role of British and overseas judges in Hong Kong is scheduled for Wednesday 30 March 2022, from 9.30-11.00am. The debate will be led by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP.
Debate Pack
A debate on legal aid in the north west of England will take place in Westminster Hall scheduled for Tuesday 22 February 2022, from 2:30pm. Rebecca Long-Bailey MP will open the debate.
Debate Pack
A backbench business debate on lawfare and 'SLAPP' suits in the UK court system will take place in the House of Common's Chamber scheduled for Thursday 20 January 2022. David Davis and Liam Byrne MPs will open the debate.
Research Briefing
This Library Briefing provides information on the system for investigating and prosecuting criminal cases. It outlines each stage of the process up to the point of conviction and provides information for Members with constituents going through the criminal justice system.
Research Briefing
A guide to statistics on criminal and civil courts and tribunals, covering caseload, backlogs, performance, court closures and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research Briefing
This briefing paper looks at Hate Crime in England & Wales using figures provided by the Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW) and the Police Recorded Crime Series. The paper also presents data on hate crime rates per 100,000 population in each police force area and for each hate crime strand. It also looks at similar figures in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The tables that accompany the briefing paper are currently being updated.
Insight
After five years of litigation, in October 1981 the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Jeffrey Dudgeon's right to a private life had been breached.
Research Briefing
The Judicial Review and Courts Bill is a wide-ranging Government bill concerned with the justice system. The Bill’s Second Reading debate is scheduled for Tuesday 26 October.
Insight
The background to the independent review of administrative law (IRAL) and why the Government is consulting again.
Insight
The Government intends to raise the judicial mandatory retirement age from 70 to 75.
Research Briefing
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2019-21 was introduced to the House of Commons on 9 March 2021. Second Reading is scheduled to take place on 15 and 16 March 2021. Part 12 of the Bill relates to juries, the transmission and recording of virtual proceedings in courts and tribunals, and live links in criminal courts.
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