British Government and the Constitution

Like the immensely successful previous edition of this highly respected work, this new edition has been jointly prepared and thorough updated by Colin Turpin and Adam Tomkins. It takes fully into account constitutional developments under the coalition government and examines the most recent case law of the Supreme Court, the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. While it includes extensive material and commentary on contemporary constitutional practice, the book covers the historical traditions and the continuity of the British constitution as well as the current tide of change. Designed principally for law students, the book includes substantial extracts from parliamentary and other political sources, as well as from legislation and case law, making it ideal for politics and government students. With its fresh design it provides a full yet accessible account of the British constitution at a fascinating moment in its ongoing development. Praise for previous edition: 'Turpin and Tomkins provide a guide that is both immensely detailed and admirably clear [but they also] ... aid the reader who is looking for more depth. In this, British Government and the Constitution has always been immensely useful ... Turpin and Tomkins have produced a textbook ... which is masterly in its treatment of a convoluted and evolutionary area of cross-disciplinary impact. It should be essential reading for students of constitutional law ... Any reader looking for the British constitution, how it works and where it does not, will find no better introduction than [this book].' Public Law 'Turpin and Tomkins is an ideal collection of materials for the study of constitutional law. Its well chosen and varied excerpts (from case-law, committee reports and academic critique) are organized and integrated by an authoritative commentary, offering the student an enticing and challenging introduction to the subject. An engaging juxtaposition of information, ideas and criticism is deftly achieved.' T. R. S. Allan, Professor of Jurisprudence and Public Law, University of Cambridge 'Authoritative, challenging, accessible: Turpin and Tomkins truly is a winning combination.' Richard Rawlings, University College LondonPart I. Constitution, State and Beyond: 1. The British constitutional order; 2. The ideas of the constitution; 3. Constitutional sources; 4. Devolution and the structure of the United Kingdom; 5. The European dimensions; Part II. Government: 6. Crown and government; 7. The powers of government; Part III. Accountability: 8. Parties, groups and the people; 9. Parliament and the responsibility of government; 10. The courts: judicial review and liability; Part IV. Liberty: 11. Liberty and the constitution.