The UK Legal System
In the UK, laws may apply to all 4 countries or to one or more countries. The UK Parliament (Westminster) can pass laws that apply to all 4 countries. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have devolved powers and can make laws which affect the individual country on devolved issues, of which health is one.
The legislative framework in the U.K includes:
- Acts of parliament (statues) from Westminster or Holyrood
- European Union law and binding international treaties
- Judicial proceedings
- Long-standing customs and principles
In addition to the statutes establishing the governing bodies together with the regulations of professional practice, the professional has an obligation to comply with a number of other statues which directly affect health care practice e.g:
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Mental Health Act 2007
- Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- Abortion Act 1967
- Medicines Act 1968
- Prescribing by Nurses etc. Act 1992
- Medicines Act amendment 2000
- Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
NB: the above list is indicative and does not include all statutes.
