Based mainly on the course textbook: Colin Faragher Concentrate Public Law (7th Edition) Oxford University Press 2021 (to be purchased by participants) this course will provide an introduction to the principles and sources of constitutional law in the UK. Beginning with an analysis of the functions of a constitution we will discuss how these are implemented in an unwritten constitution, such as the constitution of the UK. This will be followed by a discussion of fundamental constitutional principles, namely the rule of law, the separation of powers and parliamentary sovereignty. The central position of the legislature will be analysed including the roles of the monarchy, the House of Lords (including the abolition/ reform debate) and the House of Commons (including the electoral reform debate). The question of whether the UK is becoming a de facto federal state will be discussed with reference to the position and role of the devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The question of parliamentary sovereignty will be re-examined in the context of the UK’s former membership of the EU before, during and after the post Brexit transition period. The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on the UK will be assessed through an examination of relevant case law. Finally, judicial review, the means of challenging the acts and decisions of public bodies, will be introduced and discussed, again with reference to relevant case law. In addition to regular extensive and intensive reading, each participant will be expected to give a 15-minute presentation on one of the topics outlined above. The final examination consists of a two-hour written paper taken in the last week of the course.
- Kursverantwortliche/r: David Bowskill