header-logo header-logo

19 September 2019 / Michael Zander KC
Categories: Features , Brexit , Constitutional law
printer mail-detail

What can Sir John Major add to the Supreme Court?

Michael Zander QC on the former prime minister’s written case

The written case submitted by Lord Garnier QC on behalf of Sir John Major argues first as to why the Divisional Court was wrong in its decision ([2019] EWHC 2381 QB) that the issue was not justiciable.

Why the Divisional Court was wrong

The Divisional Court decided (at [41]) that it was unnecessary to explore the facts. ‘If that conclusion were correct,’ Sir John argues, ‘the consequence would be that there is nothing in law to prevent a Prime Minister from proroguing Parliament in any circumstances or for any reason’ (para 4).

The Divisional Court said (at [66]) that it was unhelpful to consider extreme hypothetical examples. To dismiss hypothetical scenarios simply on the ground that they are extreme was not a safe ground on which to lay down legal principles of general application. ‘That is particularly so in the present context, where many developments which until recently might have been thought to be extreme

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Should a conviction stand when a later ruling reveals that the law underpinning it was wrong? The answer exposes a clash between finality and justice
The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
back-to-top-scroll