Accessibility statement for The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is committed to making its websites accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. This accessibility statement applies to both the website of the UK Supreme Court (https://www.supremecourt.uk/) and the website of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (https://www.jcpc.uk/).

This website is run by the UK Supreme Court. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website so we have built it with inclusive design principles. For example, you should be able to:

  1. change colours, contrast levels and fonts using browser or device settings
  2. zoom in up to 400% without the text spilling off the screen
  3. navigate most of the website using a keyboard or speech recognition software
  4. listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)
  5. navigate using clear headings, landmarks and consistent structure

We have also made the website text as simple as possible to understand. If you need information on this website in a different format such as accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, please contact us. 

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.  

Compliance status


These websites have been tested against WCAG 2.2 AA.

Testing included:


  • using automated tools such as WAVE, playwright with axe-core, and Lighthouse to scan pages.
    • doing manual checks against WCAG 2.2AA criteria
      • doing user research with users that have accessibility needs

        These websites are partially compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA, due to the non‑compliances and exemptions listed below.


        Non‑accessible content


        (a) Non‑compliance with the accessibility regulations

        The following issues fail WCAG 2.2 AA:


        Plain English


        • Some pages and document attachments are not written in plain English. Fails WCAG 3.1.5 Reading Level.

          Tables


          • Some tables do not have row or column headers. Fails WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.
            • Some tables may not be fully accessible for keyboard users. Fails WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard.

              Third‑party components


              • The global search bar may not be fully accessible because it is provided by a third‑party supplier. Fails WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.
                • The Red Bee media player used on case detail pages may not be fully accessible for some users. Fails WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard and WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.
                  • Google reCAPTCHA privacy and terms links may not be fully accessible. Fails WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose and WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

                    Images


                    • Some images do not have image descriptions. Fails WCAG 1.1.1 Non‑text Content.
                      • Some images used to convey information have poor colour contrast. Fails WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).

                        Documents


                        • Many documents are in PDF format and are not accessible. Fails WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships, 1.4.3 Contrast, 2.4.2 Page Titled, and others depending on the document.

                          Keyboard navigation


                          • At 200% and 400% zoom, some mobile menu items cannot be accessed using a keyboard. Fails WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard and WCAG 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum).


                            Focus order


                            • The cookie banner receives focus last, meaning users must tab through the entire page before interacting with it.  Fails WCAG 2.4.3 Focus Order.


                              Focus obscured


                              • Some header menu items become hidden behind the cookie banner when tabbing. Fails WCAG 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum).


                                (b) Disproportionate burden


                                • Judgments and press summaries produced before 2024 are only available as PDF files. After 2024, judgments and press summaries will also be available in HTML.
                                  • Written arguments and Statements of Facts and Issues will only be available as PDFs.
                                    • All speeches before 26 April 2024 are published as PDFs.

                                      Accessible alternatives may be available on The National Archives or the British and Irish Legal Information Institute websites.  


                                      (c) Content not within the scope of the accessibility regulations


                                      Some content is exempt from the accessibility regulations:


                                      • PDFs and documents published before 23 September 2018 that are not essential to providing our services
                                        • Third‑party content that we do not control
                                          • Live video streams (captions are not required for live content)

                                            Feedback and contact information


                                            Please contact us if:


                                            • you find any problems not listed on this page
                                              • you think we are not meeting accessibility requirements
                                                • you need information on this website in a different format

                                                  Please contact us via our General enquiry form and use the subject line : Accessibility issue  

                                                  We will consider your request and respond within 10 working days.


                                                  Enforcement procedure


                                                  The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the accessibility regulations.

                                                  If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).


                                                  Preparation of this accessibility statement

                                                  This statement was prepared on 23 July 2024.

                                                  The statement was last reviewed and updated on 22 January 2026.