Forum Chambers

Under the constitutional monarchy, the monarch plays a key role which has developed over time. This Practice Note examines the operation of conventions and royal prerogatives, the issue of confidentiality and the role of the monarch in opening and dissolution of Parliament, the process of Royal Assent on Bills from the legislature and succession.

This Practice Note concerns the House of Lords in its existing form as part of the legislature, and not in its former capacity as also part of the judicial system. The House of Lords continues to play a vital role in reviewing and amending legislation.

All judges and magistrates are appointed by and derive their authority from the Crown so that the judicial branch operates independently of the executive and legislature. This Practice Note explores the principles of judicial independence, impartiality and integrity, the appointment and disciplining of judges and their written judgments.

Royal Charters grant corporate personality to professional or charitable bodies, by the monarch. This Practice Note explores the process of establishing and surrendering of Royal Charters and restrictions, including in relation to judicial review.

This Practice Note provides a brief overview of Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament of 15 December 2004 on the harmonisation of transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market and amending Directive 2001/34/EC (Transparency Directive), its history, content and implementation in the United Kingdom.