Legal terminology

A law with fundamental impact on the constitutional framework, e.g. HRA 1998.

Unwritten law developed by judges through decisions in court cases.

A previous legal decision that serves as a rule for future cases.

A non-legal rule followed by political actors due to long-standing practice.

Historic executive powers of the monarch, now largely exercised by ministers.

The power of courts to review decisions of public authorities or government action.

The principle that EU law overrides national law in areas of EU competence.

A scholarly analysis or explanation of legal principles or statutes.

The 1985 case where the court ruled that Royal Prerogative is subject to judicial review.

A recognized origin from which legal rules derive, such as statutes or case law.

The principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK.

The idea that all individuals and the government are subject to and accountable under the law.

The division of governmental powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

The granting of powers from central to regional governments through statute.

Policy areas that remain under the control of the UK Parliament despite devolution.

A form of devolution where different regions receive different levels or types of power.

A constitutional convention regulating when the UK Parliament can legislate on devolved matters.

A vote by the electorate on a specific political question, often involving constitutional change.

A change or series of changes that alter the constitutional structure or principles.

The principle that EU law overrides conflicting national law within its areas of competence.

A statute that made EU law applicable in the UK and gave it direct effect.

EU law that continued to apply in the UK after Brexit, unless amended or repealed.

The treaty provision allowing EU member states to withdraw voluntarily from the Union.

A treaty to protect human rights, established by the Council of Europe in 1950.

UK legislation that made the rights in the ECHR enforceable in domestic courts.

A court statement that a UK statute cannot be reconciled with the HRA.

The ability of individuals to rely on EU law provisions before national courts.

An international organization separate from the EU, responsible for the ECHR.

A basic right protected by law, often enshrined in constitutional or human rights documents.

The concept that judges must be free to decide cases without external interference.

A guarantee that judges cannot be dismissed arbitrarily and hold office until retirement age.

Legislation that enhanced judicial independence by creating the UK Supreme Court and reforming the role of Lord Chancellor.

The highest appellate court in the UK, established in 2009.

The area of law governing the relationship between individuals and the state, including constitutional and administrative law.

The final decision or opinion delivered by a court in a legal dispute.

To uphold the rule of law, interpret legislation, and protect individual rights.

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

The head of the UK government and leader of the majority party in the Commons.

Senior ministers who make key decisions and direct government policy.

Professional public servants who support and implement government decisions.

The branch of government responsible for making laws — in the UK, Parliament.

The elected chamber of Parliament; central to legislation and government accountability.

The unelected revising chamber of Parliament, composed of life peers, bishops, and some hereditary peers.

A committee in Parliament that scrutinises the work of government departments.

The process of examining government actions and holding them to account.

A proposal for a new law or a change to existing law presented to Parliament.

A bill introduced by a government minister, reflecting government policy.

A bill introduced by an MP who is not part of the government.

A formal stage in debating and progressing a bill (e.g., First Reading, Second Reading).

The series of steps a bill goes through in Parliament to become law.

A commitment a state has under international law, often via treaties, affecting domestic policy.

A UK Supreme Court case ruling that Parliament must authorise the triggering of Article 50.

A Supreme Court case declaring the prorogation of Parliament unlawful.

The formal suspension of Parliament by the Crown on government advice.

The authority exercised by the government, including decision-making and administration.

A foundational norm guiding how a constitution operates, e.g. rule of law, separation of powers.

A rule of law principle requiring laws to be clear, public, and predictable in application.