How Language Works in Politics

Matthew Williams is Access and Career Development Fellow, Jesus College, University of Oxford. His research focusses on the sometimes difficult relationships between judges and politicians - where the rule of law meets the power of politics. He has sought to explain the increasing intervention by judges into sensitive public policy domains, such as immigration, anti-discrimination and homelessness.

• Part One — Language and Politics in the UK;1 Introduction — How Language Works in Politics;2 Past — How Has Parliament's Use of Language Changed?3 Present — Why Has Parliament's Use of Language Changed?Part Two — The Social Impact of Parliament’s Use of Language;4 Immigration — How Parliament’s Language Affects Central Government Powers;5 Homelessness — How Parliament’s Language Affects Local Government Duties;6 Anti-discrimination and Equality — How Parliament’s Language Affects Individual Rights;Part Three — Fixing the Code;7 Constitutional Language — Lessons from Beyond Westminster8 Filling Gaps — The Human Rights Act 1998Conclusions.

“… impressive and extremely thought-provoking… The book contains much data that throws a new light on the various debates in which it is situated.” Local Government Studies