The Law and Us uses 70 appeals to show how law has shaped society and everyday life
Supreme Court exhibition The Law and Us has opened to the public as a new permanent display at the UK Supreme Court, bringing together 70 appeals to explore how the law affects people’s lives.
The exhibition draws on cases heard by the Supreme Court, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) and the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords, the predecessor to the Supreme Court. It invites visitors to explore how significant cases have had a lasting impact on society.
Visitors can read about each appeal through a collection of case studies designed to make the material accessible. The exhibition uses wall panels and audio-visual displays alongside seating designed to give the space the feel of a library.
The display also examines the role of the Supreme Court, the centuries-long history of UK law and the development and contemporary global work of the JCPC.
The JCPC is the final court of appeal for the UK’s overseas territories, Crown Dependencies, military sovereign base areas and many Commonwealth countries.
The exhibition includes two existing items from the Court’s collection. Its copy of the Magna Carta, which the Court says has consistently been one of its most popular exhibits, has been incorporated into the new experience. A formal robe featuring gold thread, worn by Justices on ceremonial occasions, is also included.
For solicitors and other members of the legal profession, the exhibition provides a public-facing account of how appellate decisions can affect society beyond individual disputes. It also places the Court’s work within the wider development of UK law and highlights the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary.
Visitors are invited to consider their own responses to legal questions and whether a career in law might be suitable for them. Three Supreme Court Justices discuss their own career paths, while the Court’s President, Lord Reed, explains in a new video how to “think like a judge”.
The exhibition also highlights the Court’s commitment to fostering a diverse legal community. Contributions from interns at Bridging the Bar, a charity supporting aspiring lawyers from unrepresented communities, form part of the display.
The Law and Us is intended to support the Court’s aim of serving the public in a transparent and accessible way. Its content and presentation will also support educational tours provided by Court staff to hundreds of school and college pupils each year.
The Court’s Chief Executive, Vicky Fox, said the exhibition brings the work of the Supreme Court and JCPC to life by showing how their cases shape society and affect people’s everyday lives. She also highlighted independence, impartiality and access to justice as themes the exhibition aims to help visitors understand.
The exhibition was designed in collaboration with Barker Langham.
Entry to The Law and Us is free, as is entry to the wider Supreme Court building in Parliament Square. Visitors can also explore the courtrooms, artworks and temporary exhibitions, while guided tours are available.