A project in the Intersection between The Democracy and Human Rights research programme
Prorogation refers to the conclusion of a parliamentary session, causing a recess period and effectively terminating all parliamentary business. In the United Kingdom, it is a prerogative power exercised by the Monarch following ministerial advice. While some Westminister systems have broadly retained this constitutional practice (Australia, Canada), others have diverged significantly: some have abolished prorogation altogether (New Zealand) and others have put it on a statutory basis (India). This research project focuses on the constitutional law and conventions surrounding prorogation in the UK and other Westminister systems from a comparative perspective. It hopes to contribute to the on-going debates in this area and develop principled arguments based on democratic constiutional principles.
Related Publications
Stefan Theil Unconstitutional prorogation of Parliament [2020] Public Law 529
Stefan Theil Unconstitutional Prorogation, UK Constitutional Law Blog, 3 April 2019