Principles Of The UK Constitution Flashcards
Parliamentary Sovereignty?
Parliament is the supreme legal authority into the UK
What can Parliament Sovereignty allow Parliament to do?
- Create or reverse any law
- Such laws cannot be challenged by other branches of government
- If cannot bind it’s successor
What makes of The Rule of Law?
- Equality under the law
- Transparency of the law
- Independent judiciary
- Accessible legal remedy
What is Parliamentary Privilege?
Legal immunity that protects members of Parliament from civil and criminal liability for actions taken or statements made while performing their legislative duties.
Exclusive cognisance?
The House has the power to manage its own affairs without interference.
Legal aid?
Payment from public funds to pay for legal advice for citizens in need
According to the Law Society from 2013-23, how much has spending on legal aid fallen by?
28%
Constitutional monarchy?
Monarch is the Head of State but is bound by constitutional framework.
A fusion of powers (parliamentary government)?
Executive (executes laws)
Legislature (creates laws)
Judiciary (adjudicates on laws)
Executive and legislature overlap
Constitutional Reform Act 2005?
Separate Supreme Court established. Made of judges which are Lords that cannot legislate. End to the Law Lords (overlap of judiciary and legislature)
A unitary state?
Power is concentrated in a central government (Westminster).
What happened in 1998?
Act of Parliament created devolution in Scotland, Wales and NI.
Regions had own parliaments that could legislate on devolved matters
Quasi- federal?
It could be argued that sovereignty is more shared like in the US federal system.
HOWEVER
Parliament is still sovereign so could take devolved powers away.
