2007-02-24 06:46:49 · 12 answers · asked by littleneb 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
We don't need it because we have access to the whole worlds opinions and news without filtering. We are encouraged to make up our own minds which has created a nation of mature, well adjusted thinkers. This has led us to be helpful and considerate of our neighbours and the authorities and so that results in our neighbours and the authorities being considerate of us.
2007-02-24 06:55:10 · answer #1 · answered by Serious Dude 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not enshrined in one document. But, the US Bill Of Rights is not a stand alone document. It is supported by a whole library of case law to explain the very generalised rights listed in the Constitution. The US bill of rights draws, to a degree, on Magna Carta. The fifth, is almost cribbed verbatim.
In Britain, we do have a Constitution and a Constitutional Monarchy, but it is not drawn together in one document, like the US example, although, as I have stated above, that has to be supported by endless case law and supporting legislation.
In the UK, the Constitution and many of the laws and precedents go back centuries. In Britain, we have always been able to do anything, save that which the law specifically states that we cannot do. 'Magna Carta'which sets down inalienable rights, a bill of rights passed in the early 17th century, other precedents and acts of Parliament form the bedrock of English Law. But again, is supported by endless case law to give clarification.
Amongst other things, 'Magna Carta', removed the absolute power of the Monarch to ascribe law has he saw fit, each citizen was declared free under the law and the Monarch had no automatic right to remove assets from ordinary citizens. Each citizen charged with an offence could demand to be tried by a jury of his peers, also, citizens, with specific exceptions, had free speech.
The EU Human Rights Act, is replacing and undermining centuries of tried and tested English law. It is trying to list and codify all those things that can be done under the law. This is a completely illogical way of going about things, because, there is an almost endless number of things that can be done, unlike the former English model, which allowed anything save those things specifically not allowed. Far more intelligent.
Your question is more difficult to answer than you might think, and ideally, requires expert opinion.
The Monarchy, who is the ultimate protector of the Constitution, even today, has reserve powers, that, if a Government is behaving unconstitutionally, can be removed by Royal decree.
I just wonder why that right hasn't already been exercised, however, that is another matter.
2007-02-25 07:35:06 · answer #2 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The two basic principals of the British constitution is the rule of law and the suremcy of parliment.Rights are are recorded in a number of documents which the British parliament decided was better than one bill of rights as it is more flexible and allows for things like case law making sensible decisions instead of sticking rigidly to a set of rules.
2007-02-25 06:58:51 · answer #3 · answered by frankturk50 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO. Someone is certain to drone on that we have an unwritten constitution upheld by the Magna Carta, that's a load of cobblers. The Magna Carta was a document forced on King John 1st by a group of medieval warlords to uphold the feudal system over 900 years ago and has no relevance to modern democracy. In any case it was kicked into touch by Henry 8th. As for the "Unwritten Constitution the Establishment tends to make that up as they go to suit the need of the moment.Some thing also worth saying there can be no "rights" without obligations.
2007-02-24 15:45:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The answer is NO, britain has no written Constitution or bill of rights even though we have a minister for constitutial matters ( Another Quango Minister).
It was proposed that a written constitution be drawn up but Tony`s Gang of vetoed it.
Some people will say that Magna Carta signed by Prince John is the closest we have, but It was never signed as John couldn`t write, he used his seal instead and only applied to the Norman barons and not the common man
2007-02-24 18:32:06 · answer #5 · answered by Jacqueline M 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
theres no single document listing them all just a lot of various laws. the magna carta would be the nearest thing but is quite out of date now. there is as someone else said european rights acts etc that also apply particularly in the field of workers rights.
2007-02-24 14:55:19 · answer #6 · answered by vibrance0404 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Funny that. Our founding fathers were of the opinion they were setting down in writing the previously unwritten 'rights of Englishmen', with a few details about warrants and freedom of religion they felt should be strengthened.
Precedent and equity (chancery, to you) are your laws, I always though.
2007-02-24 17:55:00 · answer #7 · answered by DAR 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have individual rights as has already been said, but no collective rights as we are 'Subjects' not citizens.
2007-02-24 15:11:06 · answer #8 · answered by Dr Watson (UK) 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no constitution. American democracy is french democracy that needs a lot of reforms.
2007-02-24 14:51:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, people in the UK have no rights.
2007-02-24 14:50:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋