Evolution of a Constitution

Dr Elizabeth Wicks is a Lecturer in the School of Law at the University of Birmingham.

• Introduction1688 – Glorious Revolution; Enduring Settlement: Sovereignty, Liberty and the Constitution 1707 – Union between England and Scotland: Unitary State and Limited Parliament1721 – The First Prime Minister? Executive Power and Its Journey from Monarch to Prime Minister1832 – The Great Reform Act: A First Step towards Democratic Representation?1911 – The Parliament Act: Guaranteeing the Legislative Superiority of the House of Commons1953 – The European Convention on Human Rights: an External Influence Within the Constitution1972 – The European Communities Act: European Legal Supremacy under the UK Constitution 1371998 – Devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: Decentralising the Union StateConclusion: The Evolving Constitution

This is an important and original book. It is a commentary and exegesis on the British constitution by means of eight case studies, turning points which shaped the constitution but which also shed light upon it...In each case Wicks depicts beautifully the historical context, related the events to constitutional moments before and after, and highlights their contemporary significance. The most original contribution of the book is the way in which Wicks teases out core principles of the British constitution which can be derived from each of the episodes she analyses. Some of these are familiar, but some are new and important...this is a commentary on the British constitution which ranks in the canon alongside Bagehot, Dicey and Jennings, and it deserves to last as long. Robert Hazell Journal of Legislative Studies Volume 13, Number 2, 2007 ...a valuable contribution to constitutional history. It is clearly written and stimulating. It provides invaluable background reading for constitutional lawyers. Vernon Bogdanor The Law Quarterly Review Vol 123, 07 The most original contribution of the book is the way in which Wicks teases out core principles of the British constitution which can be derived from each of the episodes she analyses... this is a commentary on the British constitution which ranks in the canon alongside Bagehot, Dicey and Jennings, and it deserves to last as long. Robert Hazell Journal of Law and Society forthcoming in 2007 ...an innovative and important contribution to British constitutional studies. As a result of an acute understanding of both history and present day realities, Wicks not only demonstrates the need, but also provides the opportunity to examine Britain's constitutional evolution in order to understand her current challenges and predicament. It is a first-class piece of scholarship which deserves a wide and engaged readership. David Erdos The Law and Politics Book Review, Vol 17, No 1 Jan 2007 ...this challenging and well-researched book ought to be read widely by those teaching and studying constitutional law...I am sure that the book's format could provide an excellent eight-week introductory course in constitutional law: indeed, the book itself provides ample material for an advanced course on these lines. Anthony Bradley Public Law Winter 2007 ...the practical complexities of devolution which it illustrates are deeply interesting. Alexandra Kelso Parliamentary Affairs Vol. 61 No. 3, 2008 It is a work of erudition and fine insights and is written in a style free from jargon. A.G. Noorani Frontline October 2008