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Vindicating common law constitutionalism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Justin Leslie
Justin Leslie*
Affiliation:
University College London; Middle Temple
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Abstract

This paper questions Thomas Poole's assertion that judicial review is not ‘value orientated’ (see (2005) 25(1) Legal Studies 146). In doing so, the paper seeks to demonstrate that the account of judicial review given by common law constitutionalist writers provides an accurate description of the approach taken by the courts in the last 10 years. The paper first considers Poole's objections to common law constitutionalism. It then proceeds to assess the writings of those relied upon by Poole against the case-law of the last decade. This is done by reference to three ‘themes’– the basis of judicial review; a substantive rule of law; fundamental values and constitutional rights. The paper concludes by suggesting that when a thematic approach to the theory is adopted, the case-law of the last decade provides vindication for the main tenets of common law constitutionalism.

Type
Research Article
Information
Legal Studies , Volume 30 , Issue 2 , June 2010 , pp. 301 - 323
Copyright
Copyright © Society of Legal Scholars 2010

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References

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180. Ibid.

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182. R v Shayler[2002] UKHL 11, [2003] 1 AC 247 at [73].

183. Ibid, at [21].

184. Watkins, above n 178, at [25].

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186. Ibid, at [12].

187. Bancoult, above n 160, at [89].

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189. Lightfoot, above n 149, at [55].

190. Watkins, above n 178, at [73].

191. Oliver, above n 39, pp 389–391.