Bill of Rights

The Origin of Britain’s Democracy

Jonathan Sumption

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English

Bodleian Library
30 September 2022

History; British & Irish history; Politics & government; Political structures: democracy; Gift books

In 2017, the Government's attempt to trigger Article 50 and so leave the European Union resulted in a judgement by the Supreme Court, which stated that the Government was unentitled to do so without the consent of Parliament, directly citing the Bill of Rights in its judgement.

Ironically, the Bill of Rights, enacted in 1689 to address abuses by the Crown, was successfully invoked in the twenty-first century to curb a perceived abuse by Government, acting in the name of the Crown.

Passed shortly after the Glorious Revolution, the Bill sets out the balance of power between Parliament and the Crown, prohibiting the sovereign from levying taxes, recruiting troops or suspending laws without Parliamentary consent. Establishing Parliament as the ultimate source of power in the land and enshrining basic civil rights first set out in Magna Carta but subsequently abridged, the Bill document can justly claim to serve as the origin of Britain's democracy.

Published here with an introduction by Jonathan Sumption providing the historical context of the document and its influence over the centuries

particularly on the United States Bill of Rights

this edition shows how a number of the original clauses find renewed relevance in contemporary events.

Introduction by: Jonathan Sumption
Imprint: Bodleian Library
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 148mm, Width: 100mm,
ISBN: 9781851246038
ISBN 10: 1851246037
Pages: 96
Publication Date: 30 September 2022
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Jonathan Sumption, Lord Sumption, is a former Supreme Court Judge and an award-winning historian.