Kommentar |
This course explores fundamental elements of British constitutional law, starting with essential tenets including the doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law. A particular focus will be on the legislative and executive institutions serving the UK as a whole and the devolution of power to the nations and regions. In this review of how power is (or may be) controlled within the UK’s present constitutional structure, the course will highlight the pressure points in the edifice. Alongside learning the detail of Britain’s constitutional rules and practices, emphasis will be placed in the course on debate and controversy, examining topical points from a questioning standpoint. The course will assist students in undertaking an informed critical appraisal of the extent to which constitutional rules and practices may protect human rights and prevent abuse of power.
Students taking this module may also benefit from taking the module ‘Drafting a British Constitution’ in parallel (but each module can be studied independently of the other). |
Literatur |
Young, A L, Turpin and Tomkins' British Government and the Constitution: Text and Materials, 8th edition, Cambridge University Press (2021)
In addition, students may wish to purchase a copy of a statute book, such as Stanton, John (ed.), Blackstone's Statutes on Public Law & Human Rights 2022-2023, 32nd edition, Oxford University Press (2022). An unmarked copy of the statute book can be used in a written examination. |