Law of the United Kingdom

Royal courts of justice

Cardiff Crown Court

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Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast - geograph.org.uk - 1304238

Parliament Square, Edinburgh facing east

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middlesex.guildhall.london.arp

Law of the United Kingdom refers to the legal system that governs the United Kingdom. The UK's legal system is a complex amalgamation of laws and principles, influenced by its historical development, cultural evolution, and political structure. It encompasses several jurisdictions, including England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each with its own distinct legal traditions and systems.

History

The history of UK law is deeply rooted in medieval times, evolving from a mixture of local customs, feudal rules, and royal decrees. Over centuries, it has been shaped by significant events and documents, such as the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, which established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. The development of common law in England and Wales, the distinct legal system of Scotland based on Roman law, and the influence of Norman law in Northern Ireland have all contributed to the rich tapestry of the UK's legal heritage.

Legal Systems

The United Kingdom does not have a single unified legal system due to its constitutional arrangement. Instead, it has three separate legal systems:

• England and Wales: This jurisdiction follows the common law tradition, characterized by the doctrine of legal precedent (stare decisis) where past judicial decisions inform future ones. It has a comprehensive system of courts, with the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom serving as the highest court of appeal.

• Scotland: Scottish law blends common law and civil law traditions. It has its own courts and legal system, with the Court of Session being the supreme civil court and the High Court of Justiciary being the supreme criminal court.

• Northern Ireland: The legal system here is based on common law principles, similar to that of England and Wales, but it has evolved separately. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom also serves as the highest court of appeal for Northern Ireland.

Sources of Law

The sources of UK law include statute law, common law, and European Union law (prior to Brexit). Statute law comprises laws enacted by the UK Parliament or the devolved legislatures. Common law is developed by judges through decisions in individual cases. Although the UK has left the EU, EU law continues to influence UK law to some extent, particularly in areas covered by the withdrawal agreement.

Human Rights

The Human Rights Act 1998 is a significant piece of legislation that incorporated the rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. This Act allows UK citizens to defend their rights in UK courts and obliges public bodies to protect and respect citizens' human rights.

Legal Profession

The legal profession in the UK is divided between solicitors and barristers (or advocates in Scotland). Solicitors provide general legal advice and support to clients, while barristers (or advocates) specialize in advocacy and litigation.

Recent Developments

Recent legal developments in the UK include the implications of Brexit on UK law, particularly in terms of legislation that needs to be reviewed, amended, or repealed. The introduction of new technologies and the internet has also led to new legal challenges and the development of laws in areas such as cyber law and data protection.