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UK Government and Politics revision

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What are Common Laws?

Commons laws are based upon tradition and precedent, often being referred to as being 'judge made' laws. When deciding the legality of a case, a judge will analyse previous similar cases and decisions made regarding their outcome. The most notable example of common law is the prerogative powers which the Prime Minister exercise on behalf of the Queen. Common laws are significant as they ultimately allow cases to be met with the same dedication and prevent mistreatment between similar cases from occurring.

Non-Codified Constitution

the UK constitution can be dated back to the establishment of the Magna Carta in 1215. Due to its age, our constitution is not contained within a single document therefore making it uncodified. By the constitution being uncodified, this enables flexibility as changes can be easily made and laws amended, which is significant as it enables the constitution to remain both relevant and reflective of our society. Following the Dunbane Massacre in 1997, the UK was able to swiftly introduce limitations of gun ownership to prevent the occurrence of a massacre from occuring again. This is significant when considering the US, who as a result of their codified constitution, cannot ammend the 12th amendment which makes the ownership of guns a human right.

"Crisis, what crisis?" (1979)

Following inflation in the Winter between 1978 to 1979, many workers went on strikes demanding their salary be matched to inflation rates. This included at Ford, gravediggers in Liverpool and NHS ancillary workers. In 1979, Callaghan refused to acknowledge the "mounting chaos" to which The Sun responded to in the paper saying "crisis, what crisis?" The term "Winter of Discontent" was phrased by The Sun inspired by the same quotation from the play Richard III. Margaret Thatcher's acknowledgement of the crisis, is seen as being fundamental in her victory.

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