The Interesting Reason Why The UK Doesn’t Have A Written Constitution

Categories: United Kingdom

Michael Coyle
April 2, 2023

The United Kingdom does not have a single, codified constitution in the form of a written document like the United States or France. Instead, the UK has an unwritten constitution, which is a collection of laws, conventions, and traditions that have developed over time. In this post, we will discuss common law and the reasons why England doesn’t have a written constitution.

There are several reasons why the UK has an unwritten constitution. One reason is historical: the UK developed its constitution over centuries, starting with the Magna Carta in 1215 and continuing through the development of the common law and parliamentary sovereignty. Unlike some other countries that went through revolutions or constitutional crises, the UK did not have a single defining moment that required a written constitution to be established.

Common Law in the UK — **© Matthias Zomer (Pexels)**

Another reason is practical: the UK’s system of government is based on flexibility and adaptability, rather than rigid rules. The unwritten constitution allows for changes to be made over time in response to changing circumstances, without the need for a formal amendment process.

Despite not having a written constitution, the UK has a number of constitutional documents and principles that are widely recognized, including the Bill of Rights 1689, the Act of Settlement 1701, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the principle of parliamentary sovereignty. These documents and principles provide a framework for the UK’s system of government and protect fundamental rights and freedoms.

Michael Coyle is the founder of Lawdit Solicitors and can be contacted via info@lawdit.co.uk

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References for Why doesn’t the UK have a written constitution? & Common Law

Magna Carta in 1215 (Parliament.UK)
the Bill of Rights 1689 (Parliament.UK)
the Act of Settlement 1701 (Parliament.UK)
Human Rights Act 1998 (Legislation.GOV.UK)

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Written By:

Michael Coyle

Michael is Lawdit’s Principal and heads our Commercial and Intellectual Property Department. As a Solicitor Advocate, he is one of a select group of legal experts qualified to represent clients as an advocate in the Higher Courts in England and Wales. He holds a Master of Laws degree (LL.M) from Nottingham Trent University and is a guest lecturer at Southampton Solent University. He has also completed a teaching stint at the Academy of Music in Guildford where Michael taught copyright law. Michael is highly regarded for his work in all areas of intellectual property law (which includes the eCommerce and IT fields), litigation and company/commercial matters. He regularly advises on non-contentious issues including regulatory and statutory obligations and has been involved in many successful disputes, with a strong reputation for finding common sense and practical solutions for clients. In 2017, Michael was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Law from Southampton Solent University for his contribution to the University and his continued support to its students.