ABSTRACT
This chapter explains why an understanding of the different sources is so important under the United Kingdom constitution. The United Kingdom's constitution is classified as 'unwritten' or 'uncodified'. It is the result of gradual evolutionary development over centuries rather than a consciously constructed document drafted to meet the needs and aspirations of a country at a particular time and intended to remain largely unaltered in the future. As a result of this, in order to understand its content and scope it is necessary to study the various legal 'sources' which make up the constitution. These include: statutes (Acts of Parliament); the powers of the Crown (the royal prerogative); the law relating to the working of Parliament; and judicial decisions. One key feature of the British constitution which results from its evolution is its flexibility. Constitutional change can be achieved with the minimum of formality with the passage of an ordinary Act of Parliament, involving no special procedures.
