Includes bibliographical references and index.

Constitutional principles and the British Constitution -- The nature and role of constitutional conventions -- The rule of law and the separation of powers -- Parliamentary sovereignty -- The European Union and parliamentary sovereignty -- Devolution -- The European Convention on Human Rights -- The commons : elections, parties, legislation and scrutiny -- The House of Lords and reform -- Parliamentary privilege -- Prerogative powers -- The central executive : structures and accountability -- Official secrecy and freedom of information -- Judicial review : availability, applicability, procedural exclusivity -- Grounds of judicial review -- Ombudsmen -- The traditional protection of civil liberties in Britain and the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 -- Freedom of expression -- Freedom of assembly, public protest and public order -- Crime control and counter-terrorism : police powers.