Leducate Explains: Separation of Powers
In advance of our upcoming event examining the role of judges in our legal system, we are looking for a volunteer to draft an article about the concept of ‘Separation of Powers’ in the United Kingdom with a focus on how it relates to the courts having the power to challenge the executive while judges are also bound to follow the law as passed by the legislature.
Some ideas of what to include:
Historical development of the current system
Why do we separate Judges from the executive from the legislature?
Where does all the power come from? (Where do ministers/judges/MPs get their powers from?)
Historic role of the Lord Chancellor (Pre-Reform), House of Lords and the conflict.
History and development of Judicial Review
Current System
Role of the Lord Chancellor post-reform
Creation of the Supreme Court
Summary of modern examples of Judicial Review (case list will be provided).
It is important to bear in mind that we want our readers to come away with a good idea about the separation of powers, and why it is so important. We already have an article explaining the devolution system and how laws are made, so these elements do not need to be explained in too much detail.
The article should be 500 - 750 words and should be an accessible explanation of the issue, in simple terms for to engage 16-18-year-olds without a legal background.
NOTE: We have found that it is essential for articles of this kind to be written with limited legal terms, and to be clearly defined when they are used, to make them as accessible as possible. We would ask, therefore, to limit complex legal jargon to ensure that the article is easily digestible by the targeted audience.
Remember - The law can be scary, at Leducate we hope to make it as accessible as possible!
Be sure to let us know if you are interested in writing this article below.