Authorities Flashcards
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Imposed limitations on the Crown’s powers to interfere with Parliament. Strengthened Parliament’s Powers.
Bill of Rights 1689
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Bill of Rights 1689 impact
Imposed limitations on the Crown’s powers to interfere with Parliament. Strengthened Parliament’s Powers.
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949
Enabled Legislation to be enacted in some circumstances, without the consent of the House of Lords
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Enabled Legislation to be enacted in some circumstances, without the consent of the House of Lords
Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
European Communities Act 1972
Incorporated EU Law into the UK Legal system
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Incorporated EU Law into the UK Legal system
European Communities Act 1972
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Scotland Act 2016, Wales Act 2017, Northern Ireland Act 1988
Devolved power away from the Westminster Parliament to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland respectively.
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Devolved power away from the Westminster Parliament to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland respectively.
Scotland Act 2016, Wales Act 2017, Northern Ireland Act 1988
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Human Rights Act 1998
Incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK law
Flexibility of the UK Constitution >
Incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK law
Human Rights Act 1998
Argument for Case law being FOR the UK’s flexible constitution.
By nature, is flexible, because decisions in cases reflect the large amounts of discretion that judges/courts have in deciding cases, and therefore also reflect the changing social, economic, political and moral standards of society.
What three ways does Case law alter, add to and impact upon the UK constitution?
- Judicial Interpretations of statutes
- Development of the Common Law
- Judicial Review
Ex parte Factortame
Judges in their interpretation of Acts of Parliament may make decisions that add new concepts to or clarify areas of our constitution.
- The HoL effectively suspended the operation of an Act of Parliament in conflict with EU Law
Judges in their interpretation of Acts of Parliament may make decisions that add new concepts to or clarify areas of our constitution.
- The HoL effectively suspended the operation of an Act of Parliament in conflict with EU Law
Ex parte Factortame
Development of the common law (6 stages)
i. Residual Freedom
ii. Actions of the state need legal authority
iii. Legal disputes are to be resolved by the judiciary
iv. Habeas Corpus and Individual Liberty
v. Right to a fair hearing
vi. Parliamentary Supremacy
Development of the common law > ii. Actions of the state need legal authority
Entick v Carrington
Entick v Carrington
Development of the common law > ii. Actions of the state need legal authority
Development of the common law >
iii. Legal disputes are to be resolved by the judiciary
Case of Prohibitions (Prohibitions del Roy) (1607)
Case of Prohibitions (Prohibitions del Roy) (1607)
Development of the common law >
iii. Legal disputes are to be resolved by the judiciary
Art.5 HRA 1998 (now enshrined in statute)
Development of the common law >
iv. Habeas Corpus and Individual Liberty
The right of an individual to mount a legal challenge against unlawful detention by the state
Development of the common law >
iv. Habeas Corpus and Individual Liberty
The right of an individual to mount a legal challenge against unlawful detention by the state
Art.5 HRA 1998 (now enshrined in statute)
Development of the common law > v. Right to a fair hearing
Art.6 HRA 1998
Art.6 HRA 1998
Development of the common law > v. Right to a fair hearing
Development of the common law >
vi. Parliamentary Supremacy
Courts cannot question the validity of an Act of Parliament
Enrolled Act Rule
Enrolled Act Rule
Development of the common law >
vi. Parliamentary Supremacy
Courts cannot question the validity of an Act of Parliament
What are Constitutional Conventions?
Rules of constitutional behaviour in the UK that are not legally enforced, yet are considered binding
Constitutional Conventions >
Peter Mandelson
Resigned due to personal misconduct
Constitutional Conventions >
Baroness Warsi
Resigned to publicly oppose government policy
Constitutional Conventions >
Salisbury Convention
The House of Lords will not oppose the second or third reading of Government legislation that was directly promised in an election manifesto
Constitutional Conventions >
Sewel Convention
The Westminster Parliament will not normally legislate on devolved issues without the consent of the Parliament with the devolved power.
What is the Royal Prerogative?
It refers to the powers which were once exercised by the Monarch, and today legally remain at the hands of the crown, yet for the most part are today exercised by the executive on the monarch’s behalf.
Areas which fall within the Royal Prerogative
- Foreign affairs
i. Making international treaties
ii. Declarations of war and deployment of troops overseas
iii. Recognition of foreign states - Domestic Affairs
i. Giving of Royal Assent to bills (by Queen/Monarch)
ii. Summoning of Parliament (following the Fixed-term Parliament Act 2011, the power to dissolve Parliament is no longer an aspect of the Royal Prerogative.) and
iii. Appointment and Dismissal of government Ministers, including the Prime Minister
Arguments against the UK’s high degree of flexibility (3)
- Statute Repeal is practically difficult
- Statute enactment is slow
- Constitutional Conventions are deep rooted
Arguments against the UK’s high degree of flexibility > Statute Repeal is practically difficult >
The withdrawal of fundamental rights and civil liberties would likely provoke political and social turmoil in the UK
HRA 1988
Arguments against the UK’s high degree of flexibility > Statute Repeal is practically difficult >
The reassertion of Westminster’s rights to legislate for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would be, politically speaking, almost impossible.
Scotland (2016), Wales (2017) and Northern Ireland Acts (1988)
Arguments against the UK’s high degree of flexibility > Statute enactment is slow >
Examples that illustrate protracted and drawn out process of constitutional change.
HRA 1988 and the reform of the House of Lords
Separation of Powers authority?
Montesquieu
Montesquieu’s definition of separation of powers
A political theory that identifies three branches of the state and argues that to prevent arbitrary government, these branches should be kept apart, with separate functions and personnel. These branches are:
- The Legislature
- The Executive
- The Judiciary
What do the Legislature do?
Makes the Law
Queen, HoL, HoC
What do the Executive do?
Implements the Law (Queen, PM, Govt Ministers, Civil Service, Army, Police)
What do the Judiciary do?
Resolves disputes about the law (the Queen, judges, magistrates)
Who are the two authorities for the two schools for and against the separation or powers?
FOR - Duport Steels v Sires
AGAINST - Hilaire Barnett (Constitutional and Administrative Law, 2009)
What is Hilaire Barnett (Constitutional and Administrative Law, 2009) Argument against the separation of powers?
AGAINST the existence of separation of powers in the UK
“the separation of powers is neither an absolute nor a predominant feature in the UK constitution.”
What is Duport Steels v Sires argument against the separation of powers?
FOR the existence of a separation of powers in the UK
“it cannot be strongly emphasised that the UK constitution, though unwritten, is firmly based on the separation of powers.”
The Executive and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
s.1 HoC Disqualification Act 1975
Members of the civil service, police and army are prevented from holding Parliamentary office. S.2 limits the number of govt ministers who may sit in the HoC to 95
The Executive and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
Members of the civil service, police and army are prevented from holding Parliamentary office. S.2 limits the number of govt ministers who may sit in the HoC to 95
s.1 HoC Disqualification Act 1975
The Executive and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
Gives legal effect to any resolution by Parliament that a treaty should not be ratified.
Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010
The Executive and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010
Gives legal effect to any resolution by Parliament that a treaty should not be ratified.
The Executive and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
Lord Hailsham
The UK system of Government is an ELECTIVE DICTATORSHIP
The UK system of
The Executive and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
Government is an ELECTIVE DICTATORSHIP
Lord Hailsham
The Executive and The Judiciary >
For the Separation of Powers >
Government Ministers involve in Justice have a duty to uphold and protect the independence of the judiciary and mustn’t seek to influence judicial decisions.
Constitutional Reform Act 2005 s.3
The Executive and The Judiciary >
For the Separation of Powers >
Constitutional Reform Act 2005 s.3
Government Ministers involve in Justice have a duty to uphold and protect the independence of the judiciary and mustn’t seek to influence judicial decisions.
The Executive and The Judiciary >
For the Separation of Powers >
R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union
Lord Chancellor has been criticised for failing to comply with s.3 following the media criticism on the judiciary in the decision in Miller.
- The chancellor is no longer the head of the judiciary and no longer appoints judges
The Executive and The Judiciary >
For the Separation of Powers >
Lord Chancellor has been criticised for failing to comply with s.3 following the media criticism on the judiciary in the decision in Miller.
- The chancellor is no longer the head of the judiciary and no longer appoints judges
R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union
The Executive and The Judiciary >
For the Separation of Powers >
CRA 2005
Security of Tenure exists for Senior Judges during ‘good behaviour’. To remove a judge, both houses of Parliament must pass a vote and the Queen must then dismiss the Judge
The Executive and The Judiciary >
For the Separation of Powers >
Security of Tenure exists for Senior Judges during ‘good behaviour’. To remove a judge, both houses of Parliament must pass a vote and the Queen must then dismiss the Judge
CRA 2005
The Executive and The Judiciary >
For the Separation of Powers >
has limited quasi-judicial functions of the executive. E.g. the home secretary can no longer determine the tariff for Life Sentences (ex p Anderson)
Art.6 ECHR
and ex p Anderson
The Executive and The Judiciary >
For the Separation of Powers >
Art.6 ECHR
(and ex p Anderson)
has limited quasi-judicial functions of the executive. E.g. the home secretary can no longer determine the tariff for Life Sentences (ex p Anderson)
The Executive and The Judiciary >
Against the Separation of Powers >
The Judiciary were accused of making political decisions, forcing a change in the law
Belmarsh Case
The Executive and The Judiciary >
Against the Separation of Powers >
Belmarsh Case
The Judiciary were accused of making political decisions, forcing a change in the law
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
s.1 HoC Disqualification Act 1975
Judges cannot sit as MPs.
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
Judges cannot sit as MPs.
s.1 HoC Disqualification Act 1975
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
Parliamentary Privilege
MPs are not liable for statements made in Parliament
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
MPs are not liable for statements made in Parliament
Parliamentary Privilege
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
The sub-judice rule
MPs refrain from discussing current court cases
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
MPs refrain from discussing current court cases
The sub-judice rule
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
Constitutional Reform Act 2005
a) Lord Chancellor is no longer the speaker for the House of Lords
b) Replacement of the Law Lords (used to be part of Parliament)
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
For the Separation of Powers >
a) Lord Chancellor is no longer the speaker for the House of Lords
b) Replacement of the Law Lords (used to be part of Parliament)
Constitutional Reform Act 2005
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
Legislative Theory
Judges play a significant role in making the law by interpreting statute
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
Example of Legislative Theory in Action
R v R
Introduced the possibility of rape in marriage
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
Judges play a significant role in making the law by interpreting statute
- Legislative Theory
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
R v R
Introduced the possibility of rape in marriage
Example of Legislative Theory in Action
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
2. Supreme Court
Is made up of Law Lords, who also have a seat in the House of Lords (for the time being anyway)
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
Is made up of Law Lords, who also have a seat in the House of Lords (for the time being anyway)
- Supreme Court
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
R (on the application of Jackson and others) v HM Attorney-General
Suggested in obiter that they could be prepared to strike down any legislation that infringed the rule of law
The Judiciary and The Legislature >
Against the Separation of Powers >
Suggested in obiter that they could be prepared to strike down any legislation that infringed the rule of law
R (on the application of Jackson and others) v HM Attorney-General
The Judiciary and The Legislature > Conclude
A separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature does exist, however, there is a creeping interference between the two and the judiciary does have a legislative function
Parliamentary Supremacy > AV Dicey
PS is the principle that:
a) Parliament is the supreme law-making body, and can ENACT OR REPEAL LAWS ON ANY SUBJECT
b) No Parliament may be bound by a predecessor nor bind its successor (i.e. law cannot be entrenched)
c) No other person/body can question an Act of Parliament
Parliamentary Supremacy > Origins
- Common Law Doctrine developed by judges
- The 17th Century struggle for supremacy between the Crown and Parliament which culminated in the Bill of Rights 1689, Art.9 and the Enrolled Act Rule
Parliamentary Supremacy > Traditional Schools Argument
The traditional school, presented by AV Dicey, presents very forceful arguments that Parliamentary Supremacy remains intact.
The traditional school, presented by AV Dicey, presents very forceful arguments that Parliamentary Supremacy remains intact.
Parliamentary Supremacy > Traditional Schools Argument
Parliamentary Supremacy > New Schools Argument
Steyn in R v Jackson.
Embodies a new school, “the classic account given by Dicey can now be seen as OUT OF PLACE in the UK”
Statutory Support for the New Schools Argument against Parliamentary Sovereignty
(particularly in ECA 1972, HRA 1988, Acts of Devolution, Union and Referendum)
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Act of Settlement 1701
Establishing the independence of the Judiciary
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Establishing the independence of the Judiciary
Act of Settlement 1701
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
European Communities Act 1972
Incorporating EU law into the UK
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Incorporating EU law into the UK
European Communities Act 1972
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Madzimbamuto v Lardner-Burke
Statute overrode the convention of not legislating for a former colony
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Statute overrode the convention of not legislating for a former colony
Madzimbamuto v Lardner-Burke
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Fixed-Term Parliament Act 2011
Removes the power of the crown to override Parliament
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Removes the power of the crown to override Parliament
Fixed-Term Parliament Act 2011
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Crown Proceedings Act 1947
Removed immunity of the crown for claims in tort
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Removed immunity of the crown for claims in tort
Crown Proceedings Act 1947
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Fixed-Term Parliament Act 2011
Removes the power of the monarch to resolve parliament by requiring Parliament sit for a five-year term
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Removes the power of the monarch to resolve parliament by requiring Parliament sit for a five-year term
Fixed-Term Parliament Act 2011
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Attorney-General v De Keyser’s Royal Hotel
The Defence Act had not abolished prerogative power, but had it put into abeyance
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
The Defence Act had not abolished prerogative power, but had it put into abeyance
Attorney-General v De Keyser’s Royal Hotel
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
R v Secretary of State for the Home Department (ex p Fire Brigades Union)
Act of Parliament prevented prerogative being used
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Act of Parliament prevented prerogative being used
R v Secretary of State for the Home Department (ex p Fire Brigades Union)
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
R (Miller) v Secretary of State for exiting EU
The Supreme Court found that the European Communities Act 1972 was inconsistent with the exercise by government ministers of any prerogative power to withdraw from the EU treaties. The withdrawal, in this case via Art.50, would need consent of Parliament
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
The Supreme Court found that the European Communities Act 1972 was inconsistent with the exercise by government ministers of any prerogative power to withdraw from the EU treaties. The withdrawal, in this case via Art.50, would need consent of Parliament
R (Miller) v Secretary of State for exiting EU
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Cheney v Conn
Tax statute prevailed over the Geneva Convention
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Tax statute prevailed over the Geneva Convention
Cheney v Conn
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
War Damage Act 1965 and Burmah Oil Co v Lord Advocate
Crown not liable for previous war damage
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Crown not liable for previous war damage
War Damage Act 1965 and Burmah Oil Co v Lord Advocate
For the Supremacy of Parliament > The Doctrine of Implied Repeal >
Ellen Street Estates v Minister of Health
A later statute will impliedly repeal an earlier one where their content is inconsistent
For the Supremacy of Parliament > The Doctrine of Implied Repeal >
A later statute will impliedly repeal an earlier one where their content is inconsistent
Ellen Street Estates v Minister of Health
For the Supremacy of Parliament > The Doctrine of Implied Repeal >
Thoburn v Sunderland City Council
LIMITS TO THE DOCTRINE
“ordinary statutes may be impliedly repealed. Constitutional statutes may not.”
For the Supremacy of Parliament > The Doctrine of Implied Repeal >
LIMITS TO THE DOCTRINE
“ordinary statutes may be impliedly repealed. Constitutional statutes may not.”
Thoburn v Sunderland City Council
For the Supremacy of Parliament > The Doctrine of Implied Repeal >
H v Lord Advocate
Endorses above view in Thoburn:
LIMITS TO THE DOCTRINE
“ordinary statutes may be impliedly repealed. Constitutional statutes may not.”
For the Supremacy of Parliament > The Doctrine of Implied Repeal >
Who Endorses above view in Thoburn?
H v Lord Advocate
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
R (HS2 Alliance Ltd) v Secretary of State for Transport (obiter)
Where EU conflicts with the UK’s constitutional law, constitutional principles cannot be overridden without unequivocal evidence of Parliamentary intention to do so.
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Where EU conflicts with the UK’s constitutional law, constitutional principles cannot be overridden without unequivocal evidence of Parliamentary intention to do so.
R (HS2 Alliance Ltd) v Secretary of State for Transport (obiter)
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
R (Miller) v Secretary of State for exiting EU
Described the ECA 1972 as having constitutional character
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Described the ECA 1972 as having constitutional character
R (Miller) v Secretary of State for exiting EU
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Pickin v British Railways Board
Proceedings in, and Acts of Parliament will not be questioned or invalidated by another (Bill of Rights 1689, Art.9 and Enrolled Act Rule)
For the Supremacy of Parliament >
Proceedings in, and Acts of Parliament will not be questioned or invalidated by another (Bill of Rights 1689, Art.9 and Enrolled Act Rule)
Pickin v British Railways Board
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
The Manner and Form Debate definition
The notion that Parliament cannot be bound by a previous Parliament is increasingly less certain
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Attorney-General for New South Wales v Trethowan
Entrenchment is possible (but only a Privy Council case)
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Entrenchment is possible (but only a Privy Council case)
Attorney-General for New South Wales v Trethowan
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Manuel v Attorney General
Slade LJ obiter comments – the courts might be willing to enforce/follow such manner and form requirements imposed by earlier acts
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Slade LJ obiter comments – the courts might be willing to enforce/follow such manner and form requirements imposed by earlier acts
Manuel v Attorney General
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
European Act 2011
Before a future government can ratify any Treaty change or any change to the current Treaty (TFEU), they must first hold a referendum unless such change does not involve the transfer of power from the UK to the EU
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Before a future government can ratify any Treaty change or any change to the current Treaty (TFEU), they must first hold a referendum unless such change does not involve the transfer of power from the UK to the EU
European Act 2011
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Devolution Acts
Scotland 2016, amended the 1988 Act increasing devolution
Wales 2017 mimicked the devolution of Scotland
NI 1998 devolved powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly and created a “power sharing executive”
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Scotland 2016, amended the 1988 Act increasing devolution
Wales 2017 mimicked the devolution of Scotland
NI 1998 devolved powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly and created a “power sharing executive”
Devolution Acts
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Acts of Independence
Enacted in the 10th Century, have in practical sense, removed the Power of Parliament to legislate for former colonies with any practical effect
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Enacted in the 10th Century, have in practical sense, removed the Power of Parliament to legislate for former colonies with any practical effect
Acts of Independence
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
MacCormick v Lord Adovcate
Westminster is likely to be bound by the terms of the Acts of Union
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Westminster is likely to be bound by the terms of the Acts of Union
MacCormick v Lord Adovcate
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Henry VIII powers
These permit the relevant government minister to amend or repeal the relevant statute. The European Union Act (2018)
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
These permit the relevant government minister to amend or repeal the relevant statute. The European Union Act (2018)
Henry VIII powers
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Lord Denning in Blackburn v Attorney General
Although these constraining Acts of Parliament may legally be repealed, in reality, “legal theory must give way to practical policies.”
Against the Supremacy of Parliament >
Although these constraining Acts of Parliament may legally be repealed, in reality, “legal theory must give way to practical policies.”
Lord Denning in Blackburn v Attorney General
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations >
European Communities Act 1972
The most devastating infringement on the doctrine of Parliamentary Supremacy: EU treaties (Notably the TFEU) and other EU legislation have become a source of UK Law under the principle of direct effect (s.2(1))
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations >
The most devastating infringement on the doctrine of Parliamentary Supremacy: EU treaties (Notably the TFEU) and other EU legislation have become a source of UK Law under the principle of direct effect (s.2(1))
European Communities Act 1972
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations >
European Union Act 2011
Before the government can ratify any Treaty change or any change to the current Treaty (TFEU), the must hold a referendum
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations >
Before the government can ratify any Treaty change or any change to the current Treaty (TFEU), the must hold a referendum
European Union Act 2011
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations >
First limb of s.2(4) ECA 1972
Acts of Parliament ‘shall be construed’ in order to comply with EU law, the Courts have been willing to:
- Read against the literal meaning of a UK statute and
- Add words into the reading of a statute
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations >
Acts of Parliament ‘shall be construed’ in order to comply with EU law, the Courts have been willing to:
- Read against the literal meaning of a UK statute and
- Add words into the reading of a statute
First limb of s.2(4) ECA 1972
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations > First limb of s.2(4) ECA 1972 >
Pickstone v Freemans plc
Read against the literal meaning of a UK statute
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations > First limb of s.2(4) ECA 1972 >
Read against the literal meaning of a UK statute and
Pickstone v Freemans plc
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations > First limb of s.2(4) ECA 1972 >
Litster v Forth Dry Dock
Add words into the reading of a statute
Against the Supremacy of Parliament > European Limitations > First limb of s.2(4) ECA 1972 >
Add words into the reading of a statute
Litster v Forth Dry Dock