Public Law

Public Law deals with the legal principles and rules governing the relationship between the state and individuals or other entities. It encompasses the areas of law that regulate the exercise of public power, the functioning of government institutions, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Here are the topics you will learn in this module.

Introduction
The introduction provides an overview of public law as a branch of law that governs the relationship between the state and individuals or entities. It discusses the nature and scope of public law and its significance in regulating the exercise of state power.

Core Institutions
This topic focuses on the key institutions of the state, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It explores their functions, powers, and interrelationships, highlighting their role in the governance and administration of the state.

Parliamentary Supremacy
Parliamentary supremacy is a fundamental principle in many democratic systems, emphasising the supreme law-making authority of the Parliament. It means that Parliament has the power to enact, amend, or repeal laws without limitation, subject only to constitutional constraints.

Rule of Law
The rule of law is a foundational principle in public law. It signifies that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to the law. It ensures that laws are applied equally, fairly, and consistently, and that they provide predictability and legal certainty.

Separation of Powers
The doctrine of separation of powers advocates for the division of governmental powers among distinct branches to prevent the concentration of power. It typically involves the separation of executive, legislative, and judicial functions, allowing each branch to check and balance the others.

Ministerial Accountability
Ministerial accountability refers to the responsibility of government ministers for their actions and decisions. Ministers are accountable to the Parliament and the public for the exercise of their powers, the management of their departments, and the policies they implement.

Prerogative Powers
Prerogative powers are residual powers held by the Crown or the executive branch of government. These powers are exercised without specific statutory authority and cover areas such as foreign affairs, defence, granting honors, and the appointment of certain officials.

Primary Legislation
Primary legislation refers to laws enacted by Parliament, also known as acts or statutes. It involves the process of bill drafting, introduction, scrutiny, amendment, and enactment, resulting in laws that have general application and binding effect.

Secondary Legislation
Secondary legislation, also known as delegated legislation, is made by government ministers or other authorised bodies under powers granted by primary legislation. It allows for the detailed implementation and administration of laws and regulations within the framework set by Parliament.

EU Legal System
This topic focuses on the legal framework of the European Union (EU), including its institutions, treaties, and the principles of EU law. It explores the relationship between EU law and national law, the supremacy of EU law, and the impact of EU legal principles on member states.

Brexit and EU Law
Brexit refers to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU. This topic examines the legal implications of Brexit, including the process of withdrawal, the impact on UK law, the future relationship between the UK and the EU, and the adaptation of EU law in domestic legislation.

Devolution
Devolution involves the transfer of powers and responsibilities from a central government to subordinate regional bodies, such as the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, and the Northern Ireland Assembly. It examines the distribution of powers and the legal framework governing devolved administrations.

Judicial Independence
Judicial independence is a crucial aspect of the rule of law. It ensures that judges are free from undue influence or interference when adjudicating cases. This topic explores the principles and mechanisms that safeguard judicial independence, allowing judges to make impartial and fair decisions.

Judicial Review
Judicial review is the process through which the courts review the lawfulness of decisions and actions of public bodies. It allows individuals and organisations to challenge the legality, fairness, and rationality of government actions, ensuring compliance with the law and protecting individual rights. This topic delves into the principles and procedures of judicial review, including the grounds for review, such as illegality, procedural impropriety, and irrationality.

Human Rights
Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherent to all individuals, protecting their dignity, equality, and autonomy. This topic explores the legal framework for human rights protection, including domestic legislation and international human rights instruments. It covers topics such as the right to life, freedom of expression, equality before the law, and protection against discrimination.

Public Law plays a vital role in defining and regulating the relationship between the state and its citizens. Understanding these topics provides insight into the legal principles and structures that govern the exercise of state power, protect individual rights, and ensure the rule of law in a democratic society.
Back to blog
UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

Get ready for the SQE1 with high-performance SQE Study Guides developed by UOLLB and published by UOL Press to revolutionise your study method and exam strategy.

Turbocharge SQE Performance

UOL Case Bank

Upon joining, you become a valuable UOL student and gain instant access to over 2,100 essential case summaries. UOL Case Bank is constantly expanding.
Speed up your revision with us now👇

Subscribe Now

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

  • Criminal Practice

    Diagrams and Charts

    Our carefully designed diagrams and charts will guide you through complex legal issues.

  • Criminal Law

    Clear and Succinct Definitions

    Key concepts are concisely defined to help you understand legal topics quickly.

  • Property Law

    Statutory Provisions

    Statutory provisions are provided side by side with legal concepts to help you swiftly locate the relevant legislation.

  • Public Law

    Case Summaries

    We have summarised important cases for you so that you don't need to read long and boring cases.

  • Evidence

    Rules and Exceptions

    Rules and exceptions are clearly listed so that you know when a rule applies and when it doesn't.

  • Company Law

    Terminology

    Legal terms and key concepts are explained at the beginning of each chapter to help you learn efficiently.

  • Case Law

    Case law is provided side by side with legal concepts so that you know how legal principles and precedents were established.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Law Essay Guide

    You will learn essential law exam skills and essay writing techniques that are not taught in class.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Problem Question Guide

    We will show you how to answer problem questions step by step to achieve first-class results.

  • Conflict of Laws

    Structured Explanations

    Complex legal concepts are broken down into concise and digestible bullet point explanations.

  • Legal System and Method

    Legal Research

    You will learn legal research techniques with our study guide and become a proficient legal researcher.

  • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

    Exam-focused

    All essential concepts, principles, and case law are included so that you can answer exam questions quickly.