Subscriber-only episode

We explore the unique nature of the UK's uncodified constitution, examining its principles, sources, and how it differs from codified constitutions in other countries. Parliamentary supremacy stands at the heart of the UK system, with Parliament as the supreme lawmaking body rather than a written constitutional document.
• Parliamentary supremacy forms the core principle of the UK constitution
• Separation of powers ensures no single state organ becomes "judge, jury and executioner"
• Judicial independence allows courts to stand as the "conscience of the nation"
• UK constitutional sources include both legal sources (legislation, common law) and non-legal sources (conventions, customs)
• Key Acts of Parliament with constitutional significance include the Magna Carta, Human Rights Act and Parliament Acts
• Constitutional conventions are non-justiciable rules considered binding by constitutional players
• The office of Prime Minister and Cabinet exist purely by convention
• Royal assent to bills passed by Parliament occurs by convention
Join us for the next session where we will explore the separation of powers in greater detail.
💡⚖️ Let’s learn the law together—one session at a time!