The president of the Supreme Court has hit out at "threats of serious violence and unpleasant abuse" received by those involved the court case over Brexit.
On the first day of a four-day hearing, Lord Neuberger also announced a series of restrictions, including against printing the home addresses of any interested parties in the case.
He added: "We have made this order largely because various individuals have received threats of serious violence and unpleasant abuse in emails and other electronic communications.
Read more: Government goes to Supreme Court to overturn Brexit ruling
"Threatening and abusing people because they are exercising their fundamental right to go to court undermines the rule of law. Anyone who communicates such threats or abuse should be aware that there are legal powers designed to ensure that access to the courts is available to everyone."
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He added that all the parties involved, including the government, had been asked if they wished any of the judges to stand down.
"Without exception, all... have stated that they have no objection to any of us sitting on this appeal," he said.
He added: "Justices of the Court are of course aware of the public interest in this case. And we are aware of the strong feelings associated with the many wider political questions surrounding the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. However, as will be apparent from the arguments before us, those wider political questions are not the subject of this appeal. This appeal is concerned with legal issues, and, as judges, our duty is to consider those issues impartially, and to decide the case according to the law. That is what we shall do."
Read more: Government goes to Supreme Court to overturn Brexit ruling
Last week UK Government lawyers said that the Supreme Court should “resist the invitation” from the Scottish Government to make a political judgement over Brexit and instead stick to the law.
The UK Government is appealing the High Court’s ruling that Prime Minister Theresa May cannot use so-called prerogative powers to trigger the process to leave the EU and that MPs should have a vote.
The Scottish Government has called for MSPs to also be given a vote.
A judgement is expected in January.
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