The opening lecture of the ILCR took place on Thursday 8th October. Baroness Hale provided an overview of the constitutional relationship between Westminster and the devolved parliaments of the UK. The role played by the Supreme Court in disputes concerning devolved powers was then discussed. Baroness Hale also considered the role of the Supreme Court within the political and legal framework of international law, particularly that of the European Union and the Council of Europe. The overarching theme of the lecture was the rule of law. In light of the often complex jurisdictional forces acting on the Westminster government, how might the ideas underpinning the rule of law guide the Supreme Court in its interpretation of the UK constitution?
The Institute is very grateful to Baroness Hale for delivering the lecture, the full text of which may be accessed here: The UK Supreme Court in the United Kingdom Constitution