Tag Archives: British law

What Does It Mean To Be Queen Consort?

Posted on May 9, 2022 by jasonloch

Recently, the Queen stated her wish that the Duchess of Cornwall should become ‘Queen Consort’ when the Prince of Wales ascends the throne. But what, exactly, does that mean? A Queen Consort is distinct from a Queen Regnant. The former … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Curious Legal Legacy Of The First Duke Of Sussex

Posted on February 23, 2021 by jasonloch

On April 4, 1793, Prince Augustus Frederick (later the first Duke of Sussex) secretly married Lady Augusta Murray at a hotel in Rome. Although it was a love match, their nuptials would ignite a legal firestorm that gave rise to … Continue reading →

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Impeachment In The United Kingdom

Posted on September 28, 2019 by jasonloch

Impeachment has been in the news lately on both sides of the Atlantic. While Democrats in the United States House of Representatives have formally launched impeachment proceedings against President Trump, Plaid Cymru’s leader in the Commons has suggested that Boris … Continue reading →

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Could Boris Johnson Try To Suspend The Benn Act?

Posted on September 26, 2019 by jasonloch

Sir John Major today claimed that Boris Johnson might try to suspend the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act 2019 (‘the Benn Act’) by Order of Council to avoid having to ask for an extension. But what is an Order … Continue reading →

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Was Anyone Ever Prosecuted For Violating The Royal Marriages Act?

Posted on March 22, 2018 by jasonloch

Last week’s post about the Royal Marriages Act 1772 led a reader to ask an interesting question: was it ever used to prosecute anyone? If you haven’t read the original post, here are the basics: the Royal Marriages Act required … Continue reading →

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The Boring Truth About The Cestui Que Vie Act 1666

Posted on January 3, 2016 by jasonloch

WhatDoTheyKnow.com is one of my favorite sites. It’s an archive of requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and it’s fascinating to see what people are looking for. Some of the requests are downright bizarre. Recently, I noticed several that dealt … Continue reading →

Posted in British Law | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

The Curious Case Of Queen Victoria And The Lesbians

Posted on September 18, 2015 by jasonloch

Today, I’m going to answer a question that I’ve been asked a surprising number of times: did Victoria prevent the criminalization of lesbianism because she didn’t believe that lesbians existed? According to the myth, the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 … Continue reading →

Posted in British Constitution | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Peers Resist Changes To Judicial Review

Posted on October 27, 2014 by jasonloch

The Government suffered a defeat today in the House of Lords as peers rejected Chris Grayling’s attempt to make it more difficult for people to apply for judicial review. Clause 70 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill would have required the High Court to dismiss … Continue reading →

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