Introduction

Question 1

What is public law?

Answer 1

The law of the government
- How is it organised?
- How do its components interact?
- What are their powers (and their limits)?
Focus on the UK govt
Keep in mind;
- EU
- Devolved govt
- Local govt

Question 2

Three components

Answer 2

• Consitutional law
• Administrative law
• Human rights

Question 3

Rules: Definitions

Answer 3

Rules: What is to be done (and how)?

“Rules are applicable in an all or nothing fashion. If the facts a rule stipulates are given [and] the rule is valid…the answer it supplies must be accepted

Question 4

Principles; Defintions

Answer 4

Principles: What do we care about?
A principle “states a reason that argues in one direction but does not necessitate a particular decision there may be other principles or policies arguing in the other direction”

Question 5

Rules: Examples

Answer 5

• Term of Parliament is limited to 5 years
• Whatever Parliaments enacts as law is binding
• Parliament does not normally legislate on devolved matters
• Public authorities to act consistently with ECHR rights

Question 6

Principles: Examples

Answer 6

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Local self-government
• Human rights

Question 7

Extraordinary times:

Answer 7

• Brexit
• HRA controversies
• The revolving door at No.10

Question 8

Enduring institutions

Answer 8

• Crown since 9th century
• Courts since 12th century
• Parliament since 13th century
• Lords & Commons since 1341

Question 9

UK Public law

Answer 9

England (Pre-1707)
Great Britian (1707-1800)
UK (1801- ?)

Question 10

Themes in PL1

Answer 10

1. Structure of government
2. The Crown, govt and Parliament
3. Role of the judiciary
4. Human rights
5. Comparative constitutional law
6. Devolution