Twentieth Century Legal History

Introduction

The twentieth century saw transformative changes to the UK legal system. The establishment of the welfare state after 1945 led to a vast expansion of administrative law. UK membership of the European Communities from 1973 introduced a new source of law and the principle of supremacy of EU law. The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic law. The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 created the Supreme Court and reformed the office of Lord Chancellor.

The European Communities Act 1972

The European Communities Act 1972 gave effect to EU law in UK domestic law and established the principle that EU law prevails over inconsistent domestic legislation.

The Human Rights Act 1998

The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic law, providing a statutory framework for the protection of fundamental rights.

The Constitutional Reform Act 2005

The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 created the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, reformed the office of Lord Chancellor, and established the Judicial Appointments Commission.