The story of the announcement in July 2003 of the ‘abolition’ of the role of Lord Chancellor, the reform of the system of judicial appointments, and the creation of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has now been well told over the years; and while some matters no doubt remain disputed, I don’t think anyone would disagree that the detailed implications of the proposals had not been thought through. The initial reactions, inevitably, focused on the negatives rather than considering what might be the opportunities arising from this major constitutional shake-up. And, indeed, the major public focus was on the role of the Lord Chancellor rather than on the creation of the Supreme Court.