Essential Cases: Public Law provides a bridge between course textbooks and key case judgments. This case document summarizes the facts and decision in Re Resolution to Amend the Constitution of Canada [1981] 1 SCR 753, also known as the Patriation Reference, Supreme Court of Canada. This case considers the identification of constitutional conventions using the Jennings test, and the legal enforceability of conventions. The document also includes supporting commentary and questions from author Thomas Webb.
Chapter
Essential Cases: Public Law provides a bridge between course textbooks and key case judgments. This case document summarizes the facts and decision in Re Resolution to Amend the Constitution of Canada [1981] 1 SCR 753, also known as the Patriation Reference, Supreme Court of Canada. This case considers the identification of constitutional conventions using the Jennings test, and the legal enforceability of conventions. The document also includes supporting commentary from author Thomas Webb.
Chapter
Mark Elliott and Jason Varuhas
This introduction provides an overview of administrative law and administrative power in the UK. It begins with a discussion of the ‘red light’ and ‘green light’ theories of administrative law, along with judicial review. In particular, it considers the scope and intensity of judicial review, why judicial review is expanding, and whether (more) judicial review is a good thing. It then examines the debate about the constitutional basis of judicial review, focusing on the ultra vires doctrine and its modified version, and whether judicial review must be related to legislative intention. It also explains administrative power in the modern UK constitution, paying attention to the main features of the devolution systems, the powers and nature of the devolved institutions, the political and legal accountability of devolved administrations, and the powers of the local government.
