Constitutional and Administrative Law

The constitutional doctrine of separation of powers seeks to divide governmental power between three arms, or branches, of government – the legislative, executive and judicial branches – with the aims of preventing arbitrary or oppressive government, and of promoting efficiency in the operation of government. Separation of powers has historically played an uncertain role in the constitution of the United Kingdom as it is argued to be incompatible with the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty. This chapter will examine how far the UK Constitution can be said to reflect a separation between governmental institutions and their functions, and how far the values of separation of powers can be seen in our constitutional arrangements.