Definition of Constitution:

A Constitution is a set of rules that create the relationship between an individual and the state they
live in or the company they work for.

 Constitution will say you have the right to a fair trial, or you can’t go to prison. Or you have
the right to vote for whoever is going to spend taxes.

American Constitution -> Wrote the rule so they have a very clear constitution. You know exactly
where you stand. -> It’s very difficult to change.

British “Constitution” -> No Written Constitution ( “ uncodified”) Magna Carta 1215. Very flexible

( Bill of rights -> Freddom of speech and religion).

Statute Law = Act of Parliament ( a bill has worked its way through Common and Nearly ( Presque)
always Lords ( being voted after debates and amendments).

Statute Law = Highest form of law. Constitutional Statute law = more important -> Put into statute law
issues such as representation of the people/ Lord’s reform/ Devolution/civil liberties.

Evolution of UK’s Constitution -> A slow transfer of power from the Monarch to the Parliament. (Not
like France -> Revolution). House of Commons became increasingly powerful:

- Magna Carta (1215) “Great Charter” -> Written Promises between the King and his subjects.
Barons established some basics rights: “the right to a jury trial / a fair trial”.

- Bill of Rights, 1689, guaranteed further (more) basic rights -> Free elections + more rights for
the Parliament + limitations of the power of the Monarch. This bill established the principles
of frequent parliaments and freedom of speech within Parliament. ( Parliament Privilege). No
taxation without Parliament’s Agreement. Freedom from Government interference. Mains
Principles of the Bill of Rights are still in force today.

- Acts of Union, 1707 -> United Scotland to England and Wales. Creation of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain. Scotland continued to have a separate legal system.

- Parliament Acts, 1911. Until the early years of 20th Century, the House of Lords had the power
to veto legislation. Act of Parliament -> Removed this power ( Except for laws which could
extend the lifetime of the Parliament). Lords can delay a law for two years. This Act reduced
the maximum lifespan of Parliament from seven to five years.

- Parliament Acts 1949 -> Lord’s delaying powers to one year. +

The Parliament Acts define the powers of the Lords in relation to Public bills. Money
bills (bills designed to raise money through taxes or spend public money) start in the
Commons and must receive Royal Assent no later than a month after being
introduced in the Lords, even if the House of Lords has not passed them. The Lords
cannot amend Money bills. Most other Commons bills can be held up by the Lords if
they disagree with them for about a year but ultimately the elected House of
Commons can reintroduce them in the following session and pass them without the
consent of the Lords.

- European Communities Act , 1972 -> Britain joined the European Community -
> Eventuality effect that EU law took precedence over UK law.