What is constitutional monarchy?

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The Judicial System in Russia

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Notes

Table (tablet) – плита, дощечка, доска; скрижаль

1. Read and translate the text.

2. Summarize the information on the Russian Judicial System.

The judicial system in Russia is structured according to two basic principles, implying that decisions and sentences which did not come into force can be appealed only once and only at the superior court. Higher courts’ decisions and sentences cannot be appealed or protested. In civil and criminal cases there are courts of primary jurisdiction, courts of appeal and higher courts, which arbitrate lower courts sentences and decisions.

The Constitution of the Russian Federation of 1993 became the main legal basis for the introduction of the judicial reform. For the first time the Constitution contained a Chapter “Judicial Power” according to which the state power in the Russian Federation should be exercised on the basis of its division into legislative, executive and judicial powers, and all these branches of power should be independent.

Civil and criminal cases are heard by courts of general jurisdiction, which are subordinated to the Supreme Court and function at district, regional, and national levels.

The three-level system of arbitration courts with the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation as a supreme judicial body competent to settle economic disputes and other cases considered by arbitration courts, exercise judicial supervision over their activities.

The highest judicial body is the Constitutional Court. It is composed of 19 judges who are appointed by the President and approved by the Council of Federation. The Constitutional Court mandate is to rule on the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.

1. Read and translate the text.

2. Answer the question, “What is a constitutional monarchy?”

Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a king or queen acts as Head of State.

The ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament, not with the Monarch.

As a system of government, constitutional monarchy separates the Head of State’s ceremonial and official duties from party politics.

A constitutional monarchy also provides stability, continuity and a national focus, as the Head of State remains the same even as governments change.

The Sovereign/Monarch governs according to the constitution - that is, according to rules, rather than according to his or her own free will. The United Kingdom does not have a written constitution which sets out the rights and duties of the Sovereign, they are established by conventions. These are non-statutory rules which can be just as binding as formal constitutional rules.

As a constitutional monarch, the Sovereign must remain politically neutral.

On almost all matters the Sovereign acts on the advice of ministers. However, the Sovereign retains an important political role as Head of State, formally appointing prime ministers, approving certain legislation and bestowing honours.

The Sovereign has other official roles to play such as Head of the Armed Forces.

The Queen's title includes the words 'Defender of the Faith'.

This means Her Majesty has a specific role in both the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.

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