Senior Lord of Appeal in Ordinary

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The Senior Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, also known as the Senior Law Lord, is the highest ranking Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. The holder of this title is the head of the judicial branch of the House of Lords. The current Senior Law Lord is Lord Bingham of Cornhill.

Under the provisions of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, when the judicial functions of the House of Lords are transferred to the new Supreme Court in October 2009, the Senior Lord of Appeal in Ordinary will become the President of the Supreme Court.

The Senior Lord of Appeal in Ordinary historically was the Law Lord who was senior by virtue of having served in the House for the longest period. With the appointment of Lord Bingham of Cornhill, however, it became an appointed position. The Second Senior Lord of Appeal in Ordinary is now in fact the peer who has served for the longest period. When Lord Bingham retires in September 2008, he will be replaced by Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers,[1] who will go on to become the first President of the Supreme Court. Traditionally the role might have been expected to go to Lord Hope of Craighead, however as a Scot he is subject to the famous 'Union Dividend' and need not worry about being appointed.

[edit] List of Senior Lords of Appeal in Ordinary

[edit] List of Presidents of the Supreme Court

[edit] References

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  1. ^ Lord Phillips to be first president of supreme court. Guardian Online (2007-04-02).