Though there are three separate legal systems for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the Supreme Court is the only nation-wide court, the final court of appeal for rulings made by lower courts, preceded by the Court of Appeal. The Court also hears appeals on arguable points of law where matters of wider public and constitutional importance are involved, and cases where devolved authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may not have acted outside of their legal powers.
There are 12 members of the Supreme Court, though cases are heard by an odd number of justices. The most senior figure is designated as the president, currently Lord Reed. There are only two female justices following the passing of Lady Hale. The Times used the phrase "pale, male and stale" to describe the composition of the Supreme Court. Members of the Supreme Court may not sit in the House of Lords until their term in office has ended. Justices usually serve as a senior judge for two years, or a qualified lawyer for fifteen.