An Introduction to Constitutional Law

Presents an introduction to the general principles of constitutional law in the UK. This book looks at the UK constitution from a critical, comparative perspective, contrasting it with the constitutions of the United States, France, Germany, and the European Union. It is useful for students studying the subject as part of a law or politics degree.

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.