Reference by the Attorney General and the Advocate General for Scotland—United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill and European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill [2021] UKSC 42, Supreme Court (also referred to as the Incorporation References Case)
Reference by the Attorney General and the Advocate General for Scotland—United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill and European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill [2021] UKSC 42, Supreme Court (also referred to as the Incorporation References Case)
- Thomas E. WebbThomas E. WebbLecturer in Law, Lancaster University
Abstract
Essential Cases: Public Law provides a bridge between course textbooks and key case judgments. This case document summarizes the facts and decision in Reference by the Attorney General and the Advocate General for Scotland—United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill and European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill [2021] UKSC 42, Supreme Court. On its face, this case (also known as the Incorporate References case) concerns the two Bills of the Scottish Parliament which sought to incorporate two international treaties into Scots law. More significantly, this case—alongside the Continuity Bill Reference case—speaks to the nature of the devolution settlement, its democratic credentials, and the relationship between the UK Supreme Court, the devolved institutions, and the Westminster Parliament. The document also includes supporting commentary and questions from the author, Thomas Webb.
