Scotland's Constitution Law and Practice

Scotland's Constitution: Law and Practice is a clear, comprehensive account of the Scottish dimension of constitutional law within its UK and European context. It describes and analyses constitutional arrangements while integrating that analysis with a general background to constitutional law and the UK institutions which have a continuing relevance for the government of Scotland. This highly regarded text considers law-making powers for Scotland, the legislative process at Westminster and at Holyrood, the accountability and scrutiny of government, the independence of the judiciary and the role of the courts in interpreting and adjudicating upon constitutional and administrative law questions. The second edition has been fully updated throughout and includes a wholly new chapter, entitled Citizen and State, covering important recent developments in human rights and civil liberties. Account is also taken of the work of the Calman Commission, the current Scottish government's 'National Conversation' and developments in the House of Lords and the Supreme Court. Further new material relating to data protection and freedom of information, elections and the reform of the tribunals system has been included. This text provides an essential introduction to constitutional law for law students and for others with a general interest in this subject. Chris Himsworth is Professor of Administrative Law at the University of Edinburgh and is a Solicitor admitted in Scotland and in England and Wales. Christine O'Neill is a Partner at Brodies LLP. Contents: Constitutions and Constitutional Law; Constitutional Law and Constitutional Values; The Scottish Constitutional Context; The UK and Scottish Parliaments; Law-Making Competences for Scotland; The UK Government and the Scottish Executive; Local Authorities and Other Public Bodies; Law-Making Procedures; The Parliamentary Accountability of Government; Public Finance; Courts and the Independence of Judiciary; Public Law Adjudication; I