British Constitution is Written or Unwritten?

History of UK Constitution

The English Parliament is often called the “mother of parliaments” and has been around for more than seven centuries. A crucial part of England’s constitution is the Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter of the Liberties of England, created by barons and forced upon King John in 1215. This document’s influence has shaped English laws for many centuries and inspired constitutions worldwide, including the USA and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights....

Constitution of UK – Parliament and Constitution

Since there isn’t a written constitution, there was a debate about the government’s powers without Parliament’s approval. Constitutional experts suggested that before the Prime Minister triggered “Article 50” of the “Treaty of Lisbon” to exit the European Union, Parliament should be consulted and vote on it. They disagreed with the idea of bypassing Parliament in the final stages of negotiations. In 2016, ordinary citizens went to the High Court to stop the activation of “Article 50” without Parliament’s consent. The High Court decided on November 3rd, and the Supreme Court confirmed it on January 24th. It was ruled that Parliament must vote before activating “Article 50,” and so it did....

British Constitution is Written or Unwritten?

The British Constitution is considered unwritten. This does not mean there are no written documents; rather, it means there is no single, comprehensive, written document codifying all constitutional laws and principles. The British Constitution is a complex amalgamation of written laws (statutes), judicial decisions (case law), historical documents, conventions, and works of authority that together define the government’s structure, powers, and citizen rights. Key documents contributing to the constitution include the Magna Carta (1215), the Bill of Rights (1689), and the Act of Settlement (1701), among others....

UK Constitution Features

The constitution of the United Kingdom is considered “unwritten” in the sense that it is not codified into a single document. Instead, it is derived from several sources, including statutory laws (acts of Parliament), common law (judicial precedents), historical documents, and conventions. Here are some key features of the UK Constitution:...

UK Constitution Articles

The United Kingdom does not have a written constitution compiled into a single document. Instead, its constitutional framework is based on a combination of statutes (laws passed by Parliament), common law (laws established through court judgments), historical documents, and conventions. Due to this unique structure, the UK does not have “constitutional articles” in the way that countries with written constitutions do....

Sources of UK Constitution

The United Kingdom’s constitution is unique for being uncodified, meaning it is not written in a single, consolidated document. Instead, it derives from various sources that collectively form the constitutional framework of the country. These sources include:...

Constitution of UK – Institutions

The Parliament...

Constitution of UK – Common Law and the Constitution

Another important part of the UK’s uncodified constitution, besides Parliament, is “Common Law.” Unlike other countries, Great Britain doesn’t have a “Penal Code” or “Civil Code,” but relies on Common Law, which is based on historical principles of right and wrong. Even though it has historical roots, Common Law can be changed by judges at any time. This slower evolution helps reflect changes in social norms and society. While Common Law can’t conflict with parliamentary laws, its decisions can be challenged by appealing to higher courts....

Constitution of UK – Key Reforms Made Over Time

This table summarizes key events and legislative acts related to the constitutional development of the United Kingdom:...

Constitution of UK – Salient Features

British Constitution is unwritten. The British Constitution keeps evolving with time. British Constitution is flexible. British Constitution has a unitary character British Constitution promotes a parliamentary executive. British Constitution promotes a Sovereign Parliament. British Constitution upholds the Rule of Law. British Constitution prescribes an Independent Judiciary....

Conclusion

The British Constitution is unique because it’s not written down, unlike many other constitutions worldwide. This lack of documentation makes it uncodified, granting the flexibility to change laws whenever needed. Another crucial aspect is “Common Law,” which plays a significant role in shaping laws after the decisions made by Parliament....

FAQs on Constitution of UK

What is the Constitution of UK called?...