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NLJ this week: A UK written constitution? No thanks!

23 February 2024
Issue: 8060 / Categories: Legal News , Constitutional law
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Could the UK ever have a written constitution, and how would it affect the UK Supreme Court?

In this week’s NLJ, Sir Geoffrey Bindman KC looks across the pond to the US Supreme Court, which has powers to ‘nullify legislation’ by declaring it incompatible with the written US constitution.

Bindman highlights the disadvantages of the US system. He writes that, in the UK, there ‘are still politicians who favour a written constitution. The politicisation of the US Supreme Court should be a powerful warning against it.’

Is it inevitable that a written constitution would undermine judicial independence? Bindman lists the many far-reaching judgments in the US since the last three appointments were made. He discusses former US president Donald Trump’s recent involvement in court cases and also notes recent political pressures that have come about in the UK.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
Reflecting on personal experience, Professor Graham Zellick KC, Senior Master of the Bench and former Reader of the Middle Temple, questions the unchecked power of parliamentary privilege
Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
James Grice, head of innovation and AI at Lawfront, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal sector
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