Relations between the branches definitions

Question 1

Common law

Answer 1

UK law derived from customs and precedents rather than statutes

Question 2

Declaration of Incompatability

Answer 2

When a law is incompatible with HRA

Question 3

Elective dictatorship

Answer 3

A gov that dom Parl, usually from big maj, few limits on power

Question 4

Formal Equality

Answer 4

All members of society deserve equal status regardless of social background

Question 5

Habeas Corpus

Answer 5

Right to a fair trial

Question 6

Judicial Independence

Answer 6

Judges should not be influenced by other branches of gov, especially executive

Question 7

Judicial neutrality

Answer 7

Judges should not be influenced by personal political opinions and should remain outside party politics

Question 8

Judicial precedent

Answer 8

A court must follow and apply law as set out in the decision of the higher court in previous cases

Question 9

Judicial review

Answer 9

The power of judicial review, which can sometimes reverse actions made by other branches of gov that are incompatible with HRA

Question 10

Judiciary

Answer 10

Part of country’s gov that is responsible for its legal system

Question 11

Legal sovereignty

Answer 11

The legal right to exercise sov in theory

Question 12

Omnicompetence

Answer 12

Having the authority to act in all matters

Question 13

Parliamentary majority

Answer 13

When a gov party wins at least 326 seats out of 650 in Parl

Question 14

Political sovereignty

Answer 14

The legal right to exercise sov in practice

Question 15

Salisbury Convention

Answer 15

HOL cannot oppose leg in winning party manifesto

Question 16

Ultra Vires

Answer 16

‘Beyond the powers’ - an action taken w.o legal authority when it requires it