Guide for Lawmakers launched
JUSTICE guide on the law for parliamentarians launched
7 July 2015
CILEx has
proudly sponsored the Law for Lawmakers guide, launched in
Parliament today by JUSTICE. The guide is a short introduction to
some key legal and constitutional principles confronted by MPs,
Peers and their staff in their work. It is designed to provide
basic information and signposts on where to source legal advice and
support.
Vicky Purtill, head qualifications for CILEx, who contributed to
the document said: “This helpful guide will be invaluable in
assisting parliamentarians in identifying the potential
implications of the legislative decisions they make. We are very
proud to have been involved, and offered our expertise in legal
education and training.”
Lord Hope, former deputy president of the Supreme Court, writes in
his foreword: “We all depend on the rule of law for the moral and
ethical well-being of our country. Upholding the rule of law is
not, however, just a matter for the judges. It is the
responsibility of Parliamentarians too, as the laws which they make
are underpinned and given primacy in our courts by the theory of
the sovereignty of Parliament.”
Andrea Coomber, director of JUSTICE said: “For decades, JUSTICE has
worked closely with politicians from all parties, focusing on
access to justice and the rule of law. This Parliament will tackle
difficult constitutional problems from Brexit to EVEL (English
votes for English laws). Beyond the acronyms, we thought the time
was ripe to revisit the basics and to start a conversation about
access to independent cross-party legal support for
Westminster.”
The project was supported by Allen & Overy, the Law Society of
England and Wales, the Bar Council and CILEx.
CILEx has been providing innovative vocational legal education for
over 50 years, and offered our specialism in supporting the
advancement of practical legal knowledge and skills.
CILEx works with Parliamentarians on subjects relating to the
justice and education systems, and on matters of law reform, often
providing provide briefings and guidance on issues under
consideration by Parliament in the public interest.
ENDS