The Constitutional Reform Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 24 February 2004 to much criticism.
Part 1 makes provision for replacing the office of Lord Chancellor and abolishing that office. There are provisions in relation to the judiciary and the courts, the Great Seal, and the Speakership of the House of Lords. This Part also provides a guarantee of continued judicial independence.
Part 2 makes provisions for a Supreme Court to replace the existing system of Law Lords operating as a committee of the House of Lords. It provides for the appointment of judges, the Court’s jurisdiction, its procedures, resources, including accommodation, and other matters.
Part 3 makes provision for a Judicial Appointments Commission to be responsible for recruiting and selecting judges. It provides for it to report to the Minister on who has been selected, and for the Minister to make the appointment or the recommendation to The Queen. It also makes provision for a Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman, who will investigate any complaints, and for disciplinary procedures in relation to the judiciary.
Part 4 makes provisions regarding Parliamentary disqualification and the judicial functions of the Lord President of the Council.
