Public Law Papers PDF

THIS PAPER IS NOT TO BE REMOVED FROM THE EXAMINATION HALLS
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 October
DIPLOMA IN LAW
DIPLOMA IN THE COMMON LAW
LLB
ALL SCHEMES AND ROUTES
BSc DEGREES WITH LAW
Public Law
Tuesday 21 October 2014: 10.00 – 13.15
Candidates will have fifteen minutes during which they may read the paper
and make rough notes ONLY in their answer books. They then have the
remaining THREE HOURS in which to answer the questions.
Candidates should answer FOUR of the following EIGHT questions.
Candidates should answer all parts of a question unless otherwise stated.
Permitted materials
Either one copy of Blackstone's Statutes on Public Law & Human Rights
(OUP) or one copy of Palgrave Macmillan’s Core Statutes on Public Law &
Civil Liberties.
© University of London 2014
UL14/0804
Page 1 of 2
1. Discuss whether the adoption of a written constitution is both
necessary and justifiable.
2. Compare and contrast the legal and political controls over the
prerogative powers exercised by ministers of the Crown.
3. Discuss the nature and importance of the doctrine of individual and

collective ministerial responsibility to the working of the United
Kingdom constitution.
4. Compare and contrast the working and effectiveness of select

committees and parliamentary questions as a means of scrutinising the
policies and actions of the executive.
5. Discuss the case for a fully elected House of Lords.
6. How are the articles of the European Convention on Human Rights

protected and enforced in the United Kingdom?
7. Discuss, by reference to case law, the procedural requirements

demanded of administrative decision-makers, and the circumstances in
which they apply.
8. Define what is meant by the rule of law and discuss its meaning and
importance in English public law.
END OF PAPER
UL14/0804
Page 2 of 2
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 ZA
DIPLOMA IN LAW
LLB
Public Law
Thursday 15 May 2014: 10.00 – 13.15
UL14/0514
Page 1 of 2
1. Discuss the role that constitutional conventions play in the functioning
of the modern British constitution.
2. How important is the doctrine of "the rule of law" to English public law?
3. Discuss the extent to which sections 3 and 4 of the Human Rights Act
1998 encourage a dialogue between the courts, the executive, and the
legislature.
4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of proportionality as

compared with Wednesbury unreasonableness.
5. Explain and evaluate the evolution of the Royal Prerogative and

consider the likely future of prerogative powers.
6. Discuss the extent to which parliamentary sovereignty has been

affected by membership of the European Union.
7. Discuss the role Parliament has in the process of making primary and
secondary law.
8. Discuss the extent to which the rules of natural justice have now
developed into much broader concept of procedural fairness.
END OF PAPER
UL14/0514
Page 2 of 2
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 ZB
DIPLOMA IN LAW
LLB
Public Law
Thursday 15 May 2014: 10.00 – 13.15
UL14/0515
Page 1 of 2
1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of an unwritten constitution
with reference to the UK system of government.
2. How important is the doctrine of "the rule of law" to English public law?
3. Discuss the legal nature of, and the limits to, the prerogative powers
exercised by ministers of the Crown.
4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of proportionality as

compared with Wednesbury unreasonableness.
5. Discuss the role, powers and procedures of the House of Lords in the
legislative process.
6. Discuss the extent to which parliamentary sovereignty has been

affected by membership of the European Union.
7. Discuss, with examples from case law, the scope of the requirement for
procedural fairness in administrative law.
8. Discuss the legal status and effect of the European Convention on

Human Rights in the domestic law of the United Kingdom.
END OF PAPER
UL14/0515
Page 2 of 2
DIPLOMA IN LAW
LLB
Public Law
Tuesday 20 October 2015: 10.00 – 13.15
Permitted materials
Students are permitted to bring into the examination room the following
specified document: either one copy of Blackstone’s Statutes on Public Law
& Human Rights (OUP) or one copy of Core Statutes on Public Law & Civil
Liberties (Palgrave Macmillan).
UL15/0617
Page 1 of 2
1. Discuss the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty with reference to
case law.
2. Give an account of the law making process in the UK Parliament,

distinguishing between the passage of primary and secondary
legislation, and between the relative functions and powers of the two
Houses.
3. Discuss the constitutional rules and procedures that regulate the

appointment, tenure, powers and duties of the Prime Minister.
4. Consider the range of individual and collective responsibilities of

government ministers, together with the means by which they are
established and enforced.
5. Discuss the nature of the prerogative powers of the Crown, and the
political and judicial controls that exist over their exercise.
6. Assess the relevance of A.V. Dicey’s conception of the ‘rule of law’ for
the conditions of the UK today.
7. ‘The principles of fairness are not to be applied by rote identically in

every situation. What fairness demands is dependent on the context of
the decision, and this is to be taken into account in all its aspects.’ (per
Lord Mustill, R v Home Secretary ex parte Doody, 1994).
Discuss, with reference to case law.
8. Critically assess the Human Rights Act 1998 as a legal instrument that
protects civil liberties in the UK. In your answer, consider whether a
UK Bill of Rights should now be introduced to replace the Human
Rights Act.
END OF PAPER
UL15/0617
Page 2 of 2
DIPLOMA IN LAW
LLB
Public Law
Tuesday 12 May 2015: 10.00 – 13.15
Permitted materials
UL15/0720
Page 1 of 2
1. Discuss the strength of the arguments for the UK keeping its uncodified
constitution.
2. Discuss the extent to which the major offices and institutions of the
European Union resemble a ‘balance of powers’ more than a formal
‘separation of powers’.
3. Discuss whether the concept of prerogative powers is out of date and

ought to be abolished.
4. Discuss whether the doctrine of collective ministerial responsibility

enhances or undermines government accountability to Parliament.
5. Assess the impact of the UK’s membership of the European Union on

the doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty.
6. Discuss whether the adoption of the proportionality principle simply

vests enormous discretionary power in the hands of the judiciary.
7. Evaluate the roles of Parliament in the process of making primary and

secondary legislation. Does it have too little power?
8. Discuss the purpose and core provisions of the Human Rights Act
1998, and the respects, if any, in which its provisions might be
reformed in order to better promote the protection of civil liberties in the
UK.
END OF PAPER
UL15/0720
Page 2 of 2
DIPLOMA IN LAW
LLB
Public Law
Tuesday 12 May 2015: 10.00 – 13.15
Permitted materials
UL15/0721
Page 1 of 2
1. Discuss the strength of the arguments for the UK keeping its uncodified
constitution.
2. Discuss the extent to which the major offices and institutions of the
European Union resemble a ‘balance of powers’ more than a formal
‘separation of powers’.
3. Discuss the extent to which Parliament can control the exercise of

prerogative powers.
4. Explain the concepts of ‘procedural fairness’ and ‘natural justice’ and

discuss the need for flexibility in applying these concepts.
5. Discuss how the processes of European integration are affecting the

UK constitution.
6. Discuss whether a federal system would be much better than the

current devolution arrangements for the United Kingdom.
7. Evaluate the effectiveness of the parliamentary procedures by which

government ministers are held accountable for decisions, actions and
policies of their department.
8. Discuss the purpose and core provisions of the Human Rights Act
1998, and the respects, if any, in which its provisions might be
reformed in order to better promote the protection of civil liberties in the
UK.
END OF PAPER
UL15/0721
Page 2 of 2
DIPLOMA IN LAW / CertHE COMMON LAW

LLB
Public law
Tuesday 18 October 2016: 10.00 – 13.15
Candidates will have THREE HOURS AND FIFTEEN MINUTES in which to

answer the questions.
Permitted materials
specified document: one copy of Blackstone’s Statutes on Public Law & Human
Rights (OUP).
UL16/0638
Page 1 of 2
1. Discuss the nature, meaning and importance of the doctrine of the Rule
of Law to UK public law.
2. How has the doctrine and practice of parliamentary sovereignty been

affected by membership of the European Union?
3. Discuss the individual and collective responsibilities of government

ministers, and the means by which they are enforced.
4. How appropriate are the legislative powers of the House of Lords to its
role and functioning in the UK Parliament?
5. Critically assess the means by which the House of Commons scrutinises

and influences the decision-making and policies of the government.
6. Discuss the legal status and effect of the European Convention on

Human Rights in UK domestic law under the terms of the Human Rights
Act 1998.
7. Using examples from case law, discuss with case illustrations the
principles of administrative law that ensure against the unlawful use of
discretionary powers.
8. Consider the sources of the UK constitution and the arguments in favour

of an unwritten constitution.
END OF PAPER
UL16/0638
Page 2 of 2

LLB
Public law
Tuesday 10 May 2016: 10.00 – 13.15

Permitted materials
specified document: one copy of Blackstone’s Statutes on Public Law &
Human Rights (OUP).
UL16/0192
Page 1 of 2
1. Consider whether the role played by conventions is the most
compelling argument in favour of a codified constitution for the UK.
2. Discuss the claim that the rule of law is a complex and in some
respects uncertain concept.
3. Assess whether the classic account of the doctrine of the supremacy of

Parliament has any place in the modern United Kingdom.
4. Explain and evaluate the need for the reform of prerogative powers.
5. Discuss whether federalism in the UK would be so unbalanced as to be

unworkable.
6. Discuss the claim that the central concern of the European Union is
“institutional balance” between the different organs, rather than
separation of powers.
7. Discuss the advantages of the standard of proportionality over

Wednesbury unreasonableness.
8. Explain and evaluate how the domestic courts have given effect to
sections 3 and 4 of the Human Rights Act 1998.
END OF PAPER
UL16/0192
Page 2 of 2

LLB
Public law
Tuesday 10 May 2016: 10.00 – 13.15

Permitted materials
specified document: one copy of Blackstone’s Statutes on Public Law &
Human Rights (OUP).
UL16/0193
Page 1 of 2
1. Consider whether the role played by conventions is the most
compelling argument in favour of a codified constitution for the UK.
2. Discuss the claim that the rule of law is a complex and in some
respects uncertain concept.
3. How effective are the parliamentary procedures by which the House of

Commons seeks to hold ministers collectively and individually to
account?
4. Give your views on whether delegated legislation is “a necessary evil”

and the adequacy of existing safeguards over its potential misuse.
5. Discuss and explain the purpose, structure and effect of the Human
Rights Act 1998 upon the protection of civil rights and freedoms in the
UK.
6. Discuss the claim that the central concern of the European Union is
“institutional balance” between the different organs, rather than
separation of powers.
7. Using examples from case law, consider the nature and scope of
judicial review of executive discretionary powers.
8. Consider the legal structure of devolved government in the UK and the

case for an overarching Treaty on the Union of England, Wales,
Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
END OF PAPER
UL16/0193
Page 2 of 2
DIPLOMA IN LAW/CertHE COMMON LAW

LLB
Public law
Tuesday 17 October 2017: 10.00 – 13.15

Candidates must answer FOUR of the following EIGHT questions.
Candidates must answer all parts of a question unless otherwise stated.
Permitted materials
Rights (OUP).
UL17/0972
Page 1 of 2
1. Consider the importance of the doctrine of separation of powers, and the
extent to which it applies to the core institutions of the UK constitution.
2. Discuss the adequacy and effectiveness of the procedures by which the

House of Commons scrutinises government proposals for primary
legislation.
3. Consider the extent to which Parliament is sovereign.
4. In what respects, if any, could a British Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

provide a better method of protection for fundamental rights than the
Human Rights Act 1998?
5. Discuss the nature of the prerogative powers of the Crown, and the
political and judicial controls that exist over their exercise.
6. Discuss whether a federal system would be better than the current

devolution arrangements for the United Kingdom.
7. Assess the extent to which the institutions of the European Union are
compatible with democracy and the rule of law.
8. Discuss the judicial shift from ‘natural justice’ to ‘fairness’ in judicial

review of administrative action on the basis of procedural impropriety.
END OF PAPER
UL17/0972
Page 2 of 2

LLB
Public law
Friday 12 May 2017: 10.00 – 13.15

Permitted materials
Rights (OUP).
UL17/0546
Page 1 of 2
1. Assess the relevance of the ‘rule of law’ for the conditions of the UK
today.
2. ‘Conventions are obeyed because of the political difficulties which follow

if they are not.’ (Sir Ivor Jennings).
Discuss.
3. Discuss the parliamentary practices and procedures by which

government ministers are held to account for the policies and actions of
their departments.
4. Explain the legislative functions and powers of the House of Lords, and
give your views on whether the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 are in
need of any amendment and reform.
5. Consider whether the existing parliamentary and judicial safeguards

against the abuse or misuse of delegated legislative powers are
adequate.
6. Discuss the legal meaning and scope of Wednesbury unreasonableness

and proportionality as grounds for judicial review proceedings.
7. Discuss the effect of the United Kingdom's membership of the European

Union upon the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty.
8. Consider the significance and effects of the Human Rights Act 1998 on
the legal protection of civil liberties.
END OF PAPER
UL17/0546
Page 2 of 2

LLB
Public law
Friday 12 May 2017: 10.00 – 13.15

Permitted materials
Rights (OUP).
UL17/0547
Page 1 of 2
1. Assess the relevance of the ‘rule of law’ for the conditions of the UK
today.
2. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of a written constitution for

the UK’s system of government.
3. Discuss the processes through which primary and secondary legislation

in the UK Parliament is formed, and highlight areas that are in need of
reform.
4. Discuss the extent to which prerogative powers are an essential part of

the UK’s unwritten constitution.
5. Discuss the ways in which UK courts review Acts of Parliament for

compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights.
6. Discuss the legal meaning and scope of Wednesbury unreasonableness

and proportionality as grounds for judicial review proceedings.
7. Discuss the effect of the United Kingdom's membership of the European

Union upon the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty.
8. Discuss whether devolution has left the United Kingdom too divided, and
whether federalism would be better at uniting the state.
END OF PAPER
UL17/0547
Page 2 of 2

LLB
Public law
Thursday 18 October 2018: 10.00 – 13.15

Permitted materials
specified document: one copy of Core Statutes on Public law & Civil Liberties
(Palgrave Macmillan).
UL18/0889
Page 1 of 2
1. Consider the effects of membership of the European Union upon the UK
doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty.
2. Discuss the nature and effectiveness of conventions as a species of

constitutional regulation.
3. Compare and contrast the powers and functions of the two Houses of
Parliament.
4. ‘The Monarchy is the one part of our constitutional machinery which is

working more or less as it was designed to do.’ (Lord Hailsham QC,
former Lord Chancellor, 1978).
Discuss.
5. Discuss how the doctrine of separation of powers operates in the British

system of government and its constitutional law.
6. Discuss the case for and against repealing the Human Rights Act 1998
and replacing it with a British Bill of Rights.
7. Discuss, with appropriate reference to the case law, the importance of

Wednesbury unreasonableness in proceedings for judicial review of
administrative action.
8. Discuss the devolution of government arrangements for Scotland, Wales

and Northern Ireland.
END OF PAPER
UL18/0889
Page 2 of 2

LLB
Public law
Friday 4 May 2018: 10.00 – 13.15

Permitted materials
UL18/0351
Page 1 of 2
1. Consider whether the UK constitutional system more resembles a
balance of powers than a formal separation of the three branches.
2. Discuss the claim that codifying the unwritten elements of the UK

constitution would have minimal impact on day-to-day politics.
3. Discuss the significance of the convention of collective and individual

ministerial responsibility.
4. Give an account of the law-making process in the UK Parliament,

distinguishing between primary and secondary legislation and evaluate
the relative functions and powers of the two Houses.
5. Discuss, with appropriate references to the case law, how the UK

Parliament and the domestic courts have sought to reconcile European
Union law with the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty.
6. Explain the significance on the subsequent development of judicial

review of ONE of the following cases:
(a) Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury Corporation

(1948)
(b) Ridge v Baldwin (1964)
(c) Council of Civil Service Unions v Minister for the Civil Service
(1984)
7. Discuss how the courts have developed section 3 and section 4 of the
Human Rights Act 1998.
8. Consider the proposition that, as a consequence of the reforms since

1997, the UK has now acquired a federal constitution.
END OF PAPER
UL18/0351
Page 2 of 2

LLB
Public law
Friday 4 May 2018: 10.00 – 13.15

Permitted materials
UL18/0352
Page 1 of 2
1. Consider the claim that the rule of law is the ultimate controlling factor
on which the UK constitution is based, and that the courts have a part to
play in defining the limits of Parliament’s legislative sovereignty.
2. Discuss the claim that codifying the unwritten elements of the UK

constitution would have minimal impact on day-to-day politics.
3. Discuss calls to reform the prerogative powers of the Crown, and the
legal and political mechanisms that already limit their exercise.
4. Discuss the ways in which constitutional conventions are recognised and

enforced and assess the need for reform.
5. Consider the proposition that the institutional architecture of the

European Union reflects the tension between supranationalism and
intergovernmentalism that lies at the heart of the EU.
6. Explain the significance on the subsequent development of judicial

review of ONE of the following cases:
(a) Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury Corporation

(1948)
(b) Ridge v Baldwin (1964)
(c) Council of Civil Service Unions v Minister for the Civil Service
(1984)
7. Discuss how the courts have developed section 3 and section 4 of the
Human Rights Act 1998.
8. Consider the principles upon which the House of Lords is presently

composed and the desirability of future reform.
END OF PAPER
UL18/0352
Page 2 of 2

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THIS PAPER IS NOT TO BE REMOVED FROM THE EXAMINATION HALLS

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 October

ALL SCHEMES AND ROUTES

BSc DEGREES WITH LAW

Tuesday 21 October 2014: 10.00 – 13.15

Candidates should answer FOUR of the following EIGHT questions.

Candidates should answer all parts of a question unless otherwise stated.

© University of London 2014

3. Discuss the nature and importance of the doctrine of individual and

4. Compare and contrast the working and effectiveness of select

5. Discuss the case for a fully elected House of Lords.

6. How are the articles of the European Convention on Human Rights

7. Discuss, by reference to case law, the procedural requirements

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 ZA

ALL SCHEMES AND ROUTES

BSc DEGREES WITH LAW

Thursday 15 May 2014: 10.00 – 13.15

Candidates should answer FOUR of the following EIGHT questions.

Candidates should answer all parts of a question unless otherwise stated.

© University of London 2014

4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of proportionality as

5. Explain and evaluate the evolution of the Royal Prerogative and

6. Discuss the extent to which parliamentary sovereignty has been

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 ZB

ALL SCHEMES AND ROUTES

BSc DEGREES WITH LAW

Thursday 15 May 2014: 10.00 – 13.15

Candidates should answer FOUR of the following EIGHT questions.

Candidates should answer all parts of a question unless otherwise stated.

© University of London 2014

4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of proportionality as

6. Discuss the extent to which parliamentary sovereignty has been

8. Discuss the legal status and effect of the European Convention on

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 October

ALL SCHEMES AND ROUTES

BSc DEGREES WITH LAW

Tuesday 20 October 2015: 10.00 – 13.15

Candidates should answer FOUR of the following EIGHT questions.

Candidates should answer all parts of a question unless otherwise stated.

© University of London 2015

2. Give an account of the law making process in the UK Parliament,

3. Discuss the constitutional rules and procedures that regulate the

4. Consider the range of individual and collective responsibilities of

7. ‘The principles of fairness are not to be applied by rote identically in

Discuss, with reference to case law.

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 ZA

ALL SCHEMES AND ROUTES

BSc DEGREES WITH LAW

Tuesday 12 May 2015: 10.00 – 13.15

Candidates should answer FOUR of the following EIGHT questions.

Candidates should answer all parts of a question unless otherwise stated.

© University of London 2015

3. Discuss whether the concept of prerogative powers is out of date and

4. Discuss whether the doctrine of collective ministerial responsibility

5. Assess the impact of the UK’s membership of the European Union on

6. Discuss whether the adoption of the proportionality principle simply

7. Evaluate the roles of Parliament in the process of making primary and

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON LA1020 ZB

ALL SCHEMES AND ROUTES

BSc DEGREES WITH LAW

Tuesday 12 May 2015: 10.00 – 13.15

Candidates should answer FOUR of the following EIGHT questions.

Candidates should answer all parts of a question unless otherwise stated.