Monthly Archives: July 2014

Lords Condemn Baroness Stowell’s Demotion

Posted on July 29, 2014 by jasonloch

Last night, the House of Lords formally expressed regret at Baroness Stowell of Beeston’s demotion. During the course of the debate, peers made it clear that they deeply resented David Cameron’s decision to reduce her status and her salary. Peers didn’t … Continue reading →

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“A New Magna Carta” Part 2: The Constitutional Consolidation Bill

Posted on July 29, 2014 by jasonloch

The House of Commons Political and Constitutional Reform Committee has launched a public consultation on whether or not the United Kingdom needs a codified constitution. In order to jumpstart the debate, it has published a report that suggests three possible routes … Continue reading →

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Facebook Page

Posted on July 27, 2014 by jasonloch

A Venerable Puzzle now has a Facebook page! If you like this blog, please like the Facebook page for the latest updates as well as other goodies. 🙂

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“WTF is the Lord Privy Seal?”

Posted on July 26, 2014 by jasonloch

When I was going through my inbox, I discovered a question from the contact form that Gmail had squirreled away. Adrian wrote: WTF is the lord privy seal? As my loyal readers know, the office of Lord Privy Seal (or, to … Continue reading →

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Lords Constitution Committee Reports On Baroness Stowell’s Demotion

Posted on July 25, 2014 by jasonloch

David Cameron’s ill-judged decision to effectively demote Baroness Stowell of Beeston continues to generate fallout. Now the House of Lords Constitution Committee has weighed in on the matter, and its report is likely to cause more headaches for Downing Street. The … Continue reading →

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“A New Magna Carta” Part 1: The Constitutional Code

Posted on July 25, 2014 by jasonloch

The House of Commons Political and Constitutional Reform Committee has launched a public consultation on whether or not the United Kingdom needs a codified constitution. In order to jumpstart the debate, it has published a report that outlines some of the … Continue reading →

Posted in British Constitution | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Melancholy Case of Archbishop Abbot

Posted on July 24, 2014 by jasonloch

On July 24, 1621, the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Abbot, killed a gamekeeper named Peter Hawkins while hunting in Bramshill Park. That unfortunate accident was the first scene in a protracted legal drama that would become a cause célèbre in … Continue reading →

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Did David Cameron ‘Promote’ Baroness Stowell?

Posted on July 17, 2014 by jasonloch

When I checked out the Court Circular this morning, I saw something surprising: The Baroness Stowell of Beeston took the Oath of Office as Lord Privy Seal, kissed hands upon her appointment and received the Privy Seal. . . . … Continue reading →

Posted in British Constitution | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Does It Matter That Cameron’s New Attorney General Isn’t a QC?

Posted on July 16, 2014 by jasonloch

This week’s reshuffle was not kind to the Law Officers of the Crown. David Cameron replaced both the Attorney General and the Solicitor General, and the former office is now filled by Jeremy Wright, a man described by Matthew Scott … Continue reading →

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David Cameron Demotes The Leader Of The Lords

Posted on July 15, 2014 by jasonloch

Baroness Stowell of Beeston has replaced Lord Hill of Oareford as Leader of the House of Lords and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in David Cameron’s latest reshuffle (the office of ‘Leader of the House of Lords’ technically doesn’t exist, so … Continue reading →

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