Task 2. Mark the statements which are true.

1. The House of Lords is the supreme court of appeal.

2. The House of Lords is the final court for the UK both in civil and criminal cases.

3. There is no reason to create a new UK Supreme Court.

4. In any democratic state the judiciary should be separate and independent.

5. It is still unknown when the new UK Supreme Court will start its work.

6. Both Houses of Parliament have been parts of its High Court for many years.

7. The Lord Chancellor used to do the judicial work of the House.

8. The first justices of the Supreme Court will be appointed by the Prime Minister.

9. Senior appeal court judges can be appointed law lords.

10. Law lords are not paid for their work in the House.

11. After retirement a law lord remains a member of the House.

12. The activity of the law lords is limited by the judicial business of the House.

Task 3. Complete the following sentences.

1. The House acts as the final court on points of law for … .

2. The new UK Supreme Court will be constitutionally … .

3. The House of Lords has done the judiciary work for … .

4. Only highly qualified professional judges appointed to be law lords take part in … .

5. Law lords are equivalent to … .

6. The first woman law lord … .

7. “In Ordinary” means … .

8. The law lords are not paid by the House of Lords but … .

9. Law lords may speak and vote on all business in the House but … .

10. Serving law lords do not engage in matters where … .

11. Law lords regularly give lectures and talks and also have … .

Task 4. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space.

The Speaker acts as Chairman (1)___ debates, and sees to it that the rules laid (2)___ by the House for the carrying on of its business are (3)___. It is the Speaker (4)___ selects (or calls) Members to speak. He or she acts (5)___ the House’s representative in its corporate relations (6)___ outside bodies and the (7)___ elements of Parliament, the House of Lords and the Crown. The (8)___ is also responsible for protecting the (9)___ of minorities in the House.

It is obviously essential (10)___ debates should be conducted (11)___ an orderly way, and unlikely that the course of debate would flow smoothly (12) ___ there were not some way of regulating who was to speak. The selection of those who (13)___ to speak is therefore a (14)___important one for the Chair, and one, which has to be handled (15)___ tact and discretion. In a debate, official spokesmen or women for Government and Opposition must take (16)___, as well possibly as (17)___ for the minor parties, those Members with constituency interests, those who specialise (18)___ the subject under discussion and (19)___ simply with a general interest. The (20)___, therefore, has to balance all these requirements when working out who should (21)___ called.

Task 5. Give short answers to the following questions.

1. What functions does the House of Lords have?

2. Why is it unusual for a legislative body to be involved in the judicial business?

3. Why has the Government legislated to establish a UK Supreme Court?

4. How can you explain the fact that the House of Lords has been a part of the High Court of Parliament?

5. Who can be appointed to be law lords?

6. Since when has the judicial work of the House been done only by professional Lords?

7. How many Lords of Appeal in Ordinary are there?

8. Who appoints law lords?

9. Are there any women law lords?

10. What does “In Ordinary” mean?

11. How are law lords paid?

12. What do law lords do when they retire?

Vocabulary Check

Task 1. Fill in the gaps with the correct preposition, if necessary.

1. The British constitution has evolved … many centuries.

2. The British constitution is made … of statute law, common law and conventions.

3. The constitution is adaptable … changing political condition.

4. British Parliament is vested … legislative powers.

5. Government puts the law … effect.

6. The agreement of three elements of the parliament is required … legislation.

7. The first reading of the bill is followed by a thorough debate … general principles … the second reading.

8. Her Majesty’s government is responsible … the administration of national affairs.

9. The composition of government may vary both … the member of ministers and … the title.

10. One of the functions of the Cabinet is initiating and deciding … policy.

11. No change of policy … any importance would be considered without the Cabinet sanction.

12. Cabinet meets … private.

13. For Parliamentary elections Great Britain is divided … 650 electoral districts.

14. In Great Britain Queen Elizabeth is … the law.

15. The monarchy is very popular … the majority of the British people.