King's Bench Division of High Court of Justice
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The King's Bench Division (or Queen's Bench Division in the case of a reigning female monarch) of the High Court of Justice holds a prominent position within the legal framework of England and Wales. This division assumes responsibility for a diverse array of common law cases and exercises supervisory authority over certain lower courts. Its role is multifaceted, ranging from hearing appeals on points of law from magistrates' and Crown Courts to overseeing specialised courts such as the Administrative Court, Technology and Construction Court, Commercial Court, and Admiralty Court.
The historical roots of the King's Bench Division trace back to the Court of King's Bench, which itself evolved from the Curia Regis during the reign of King Alfred. Over time, the court underwent transformations, leading to the establishment of the Common Bench and the King's Bench as distinct entities. The division's jurisdiction expanded, covering both civil and criminal matters. During the Commonwealth of England (1649–1660), it was known as the Upper Bench.
In 1875, the Court of King's Bench was abolished by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1873. Its jurisdiction transitioned to the High Court of Justice, with specific cases falling under the purview of the King's Bench Division. Notable historical landmarks associated with the division include the Westminster Hall, which served as the meeting place for the Court of King's Bench.
Specialised courts within the King's Bench Division include the Administrative Court, which primarily deals with administrative law matters and exercises supervisory jurisdiction over inferior courts and tribunals; the Technology and Construction Court, which specialises in disputes related to technology and construction; the Commercial Court, which adjudicates domestic and international business disputes; and the Admiralty Court which addresses matters concerning maritime and admiralty law.
In the realm of appeals, the King's Bench Division handles cases by way of case stated, a mechanism wherein legal questions are deliberated based solely on the facts presented by the reviewing authority. This ensures a focused examination of legal issues within the confines of established facts.
These subdivisions underscore the King's Bench Division's adaptability and commitment to providing specialised justice across a wide spectrum of legal domains. The division's judges and procedures are tailored to the unique characteristics of each court within its purview, contributing to the overall efficacy and fairness of the English legal system.
