An Introduction to Constitutional Law

An Introduction to Constitutional Law discusses the general principles of the United Kingdom constitution from a critical, comparative perspective. It emphasizes the principal characteristics of this uncodified constitution, contrasting it with the documentary constitutions of the United States, France, and Germany. There are fewer checks on the power of government in this country than there are under those constitutions, where courts may review the constitutionality of legislation. This book also discusses the `federal' constitution of the European Union, as well as examining its impact on UK constitutional law. Its publication is particularly timely, in view of the programme of constitutional reform on which the Labour government has embarked. That makes it imperative to examine critically the principles of the constitution and explore whether anything may be learnt from the experience of other countries. The book offers a succinct and up to date account of British constitutional law and will be the ideal introduction for all students studying the subject whether as part of a law of politics degree.

1. Constitutions ; 2. The United Kingdom Constitution ; 3. Federalism and Devolution ; 4. The Constitution of the European Union ; 5. Parliament and Legislative Power ; 6. Government and Executive Power ; 7. The Courts and Judicial Power ; 8. Political Parties and Elections ; 9. Constitutions in Times of War and Emergency