*/
Calls for Royal Commission to examine consitutional framework
It is time for a close look at the British constitution, the Master of the Rolls has said.
In a speech to the Law Commission in December, “Law reform—where will it all end?”, Lord Neuberger encouraged the Commissioners to make constitutional law their next subject of examination. This could be done by a special Commission or Royal Commission, he said.
This did not mean he advocated a written constitution, he said, but that the existing unwritten constitution was undergoing a period of change.
Further reform of the House of Lords is a “live issue”, he said, “not least in the light of its ever increasing size at a time when the smaller House of Commons is apparently engaged on down-sizing”.
Referring to the Hunting Act case, R (Jackson) v HM Attorney-General, he said: “The dicta in Jackson indicate that there is a strong judicial view that an important aspect of our fundamental law is changing; that parliamentary supremacy may be eroding ... But that raises the question, if Parliament is not sovereign, what is?”
Given the rate of constitutional evolution, he said, it had “become increasingly imperative that we engage a Royal Commission to examine our constitutional framework. Constitutional clarity is of fundamental importance”.
In a speech to the Law Commission in December, “Law reform—where will it all end?”, Lord Neuberger encouraged the Commissioners to make constitutional law their next subject of examination. This could be done by a special Commission or Royal Commission, he said.
This did not mean he advocated a written constitution, he said, but that the existing unwritten constitution was undergoing a period of change.
Further reform of the House of Lords is a “live issue”, he said, “not least in the light of its ever increasing size at a time when the smaller House of Commons is apparently engaged on down-sizing”.
Referring to the Hunting Act case, R (Jackson) v HM Attorney-General, he said: “The dicta in Jackson indicate that there is a strong judicial view that an important aspect of our fundamental law is changing; that parliamentary supremacy may be eroding ... But that raises the question, if Parliament is not sovereign, what is?”
Given the rate of constitutional evolution, he said, it had “become increasingly imperative that we engage a Royal Commission to examine our constitutional framework. Constitutional clarity is of fundamental importance”.
Calls for Royal Commission to examine consitutional framework
It is time for a close look at the British constitution, the Master of the Rolls has said.
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q and A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
