The UK Supreme Court hearings in Cardiff (22 – 25 July 2019)
How to join us if you are a member of the public or media
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom will be sitting in the committee rooms of Ty Hywel (part of the National Assembly for Wales), Pierhead Street, Cardiff, CF99 1NA from 22 to 25 July 2019.
The Court warmly invites members of the public and media to witness its proceedings and find out more about how the Supreme Court works over the four days in Cardiff. If you have ever been curious about how courts work, this is a perfect chance to come and witness the highest court in the UK in session.
The Supreme Court hears appeals on arguable points of law of general public importance, concentrating on cases of the greatest significance. Baroness Hale, President of the Supreme Court and the UK’s top judge, will be presiding with other justices of the Court (Lord Reed, Deputy President, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Sales and Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd).
Below you will find information about what is happening when and practical details about how you can attend. The Supreme Court will hear the following cases during this time:
Monday 22 July and Tuesday 23 July 2019
The question in this planning case is whether, on an application for planning permission for a wind turbine proposed to be undertaken by a community benefit society, the distribution to the local community of a community benefit fund derived from the operation of the turbine is a material planning consideration which the council could take into account when considering whether to grant planning permission.
Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 July 2019
The questions in this case are whether the dishonest state of mind of an individual who wholly owns and controls a company is attributable to the company in the context of a claim in negligence by the company against a third-party bank or broker and, if so, what defences may be available to the bank or broker in consequence of this attribution.
Thursday 25 July 2019
The questions in this solicitors’ negligence case are in what circumstances is the principle of full compensation engaged and to what extent should a court admit evidence which was obtained after the date the original claim settled, when determining whether a claimant has suffered loss.
Access for members of the public
Members of the public are very welcome to attend the court hearings. All those planning to attend should use the main entrance to Ty Hywel.
Access to the public will be from 9.30am. Members of the public with access needs will be given priority.
All visitors will need to go through airport-style security checks when entering the building.
Anyone who is unable to attend in person can watch the hearings live via the UK Supreme Court’s web stream.
Ticketing system
Once through security, there will be a ticketing system in place on each day, with those arriving earliest being offered seats in the courtroom once public admission begins at 9.30am. We will be able to allocate approximately 60 seats for the public on a first come, first served basis in the courtroom. If the courtroom is full, subsequent visitors will be directed into an ‘overflow’ room (where a live video feed of the proceedings will be shown).
As space in the courtroom becomes available ticket holders in the overflow will be asked by staff whether they wish to move to the courtroom at a suitable moment (and in ticket number order).
Ticket holders with access needs will be given priority access to both the courtroom and overflow room. Wheelchair spaces will be available, and a hearing loop will be in operation.
Entering and leaving the courtroom and overflow room
Seats in both the courtroom and overflow room will be unreserved. Members of the public will not be allocated a specific seat.
Ticket holders will be able to leave the courtroom and overflow room for short periods and return during the day, for example at lunchtime. Ticket holders are welcome to leave as and when they please, but please do notify Court staff if you do not intend to return, so we can offer your place to those in the overflow room. Belongings cannot be left in the courtroom for security reasons.
Conduct in the courtroom
Please note that, in line with the Court’s usual practice, items of clothing or other materials bearing messages that undermine the dignity of the Court or which seek to interfere with the proper administration of justice will not be permitted into the building.
There are no cloakroom facilities available and those planning to attend are discouraged from bringing bulky items of luggage into the building.
The hearings
On most days the hearings will take place from 10.30am – 4pm (breaking for lunch between 1pm and 2pm) except on Monday when the hearing will start at the slightly later time of 11am.
Please note that judgments will not follow immediately after the hearing. We expect that decisions will follow later in 2019.
However, the Court may be ready to give judgment in cases that it has heard previously. If so it will do this on the Wednesday and either 9.45am or 10.15am. Please keep an eye on the Supreme Court website for further information.
Visitor Centre
There will be a free visitor centre with a small exhibition and information about the Supreme Court in the vicinity of the courtroom.
Finding Us
Details about how to reach the building via public transport and parking arrangements are available via this website. The google maps reference is also available here.
Accessibility
As mentioned above, the Ty Hywel building is fully accessible for wheelchair users. There will also be a hearing loop. Please contact general enquiries if there are any arrangements that can be made that may assist you further.
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