Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law Flashcards
What is the key features of an uncodified constitution?
Lacks a single definitive source containing its most important rules.
What is a constitution?
A document that establishes and identifies the key institutions of the state.
What are the 3 parts of the UK constitution?
Legislature, Executive and Judiciary
What are the 6 key features of the UK constitution?
- Several Sources
- Rule of Law
- Lack of Entrenchment and Parliamentary Sovereignty
- No Power to Strike Down
- The Courts
- Common Law
What are the Several Sources that make up the UK Constitution?
Acts of Parliament, common law, constitutional conventions and Human Rights Act 1988.
During what time was the UK a member of the EU?
1973-2020
What Act made the EU Law as source of UK legislation?
European Communities Act 1972.
What is the 2 parts of the rule of law?
- The law should be applied fairly and the government should act according
- Laws should generally not have retrospective effect.
What effect does Lack of Entrenchment and Parliamentary Sovereignty have on the UK Constitution?
Makes an Act of Parliament the highest form of UK law as supremacy rests with Parliament if there is no codified constitution
How can the constitution be changed?
Introducing another Act of Parliament
What effect does ‘No Power to Strike Down’ have on the UK Constitution?
The Courts cannot declare an Act of Parliament ‘unconstitutional’ or strike it down.
When can a Declaration of Incompatibility be made?
When legislation breaches or is incompatible with rights protected within the Human Rights Act 1998.
What can the Courts do when legislation breaches the HRA 1998?
Pass a Declaration of Incompatibility.
What are the consequences of a Declaration of Incompatibility?
Parliament will determine how they wish to amend the law if at all. The effect is not immediate and the courts are still required to enforce the law as written.
What part do the Courts play within the UK Constitution?
Required to interpret legislation and if the legislation is unclear then they will provide a definitive ruling.
What happens if Parliament disagree with the Courts interpretation of legislation?
They can amend the legislation to make the position clearer.
What is the role of Common Law within the Constitution?
Courts develop, determine and expand on common law.
What is the effect of a constitutional monarchy?
The monarch has powers granted to them under the constitution.
What powers does the Monarchy have?
They appear to have considerable powers however in practice they have no personal discretion.
Who are most of the Monarch Powers exercised by?
Democratically accountable politicians e.g. Prime Minister and Cabinet.
What is the Royal Prerogative?
A collection of powers which common law recognises as belonging to the Crown (Government or executive).
Who exercises the Royal Prerogative?
Government.
What is the Ram Doctrine?
Give the government powers needed to carry on ordinary business of government which are not explicitly authorised by statute or royal prerogative.
What are constitutional conventions?
Rules not regulated by legislation or the common law. The rules regulate how legal rules operate.