Legal System of England and Wales - Introduction

Question 1

Primary legislation

Answer 1

Legislation made by parliament

Question 2

Secondary legislation

Answer 2

Legislation made under the authorisation of Parliament

Question 3

Short title

Answer 3

Acts can be cited as a short title if there is provision in the legislation to do so

Question 4

Statutory instruments

Answer 4

Secondary legislation. Formed by an Act providing for another body, with its consent, to provide regulations to give practical effect to the Act.

Question 5

International Treaties

Answer 5

Entered into under Royal Prerogative. Don’t require Act of Parliament

Question 6

Case Law

Answer 6

Has binding or persuasive effect on future cases

Question 7

Works of authority

Answer 7

Written by academics or other interested parties. Have no binding effect but aids to interpretation

Question 8

Conventions

Answer 8

Not legally enforceable but expectations of how MPs, the Crown and others will act. Penalty is disapproval and criticism

Question 9

Marginal notes of statute

Answer 9

Internal aid to interpretation

Question 10

Executive

Answer 10

Prime Minister and Cabinet