An uncodified or unwritten constitution is a constitution in which no single, formal document delineates the powers of a government, and the limits thereof. Instead, an unwritten constitution comprises the body of a country's laws, enacted over time, coupled with an emphasis on political precedent and enshrined parliamentary procedure, to create a framework in which a limited government operates. Although these principles are not codified in a single law, they are still recognized by courts, legislators, and executives as binding upon government, limiting its powers. Thus, a court might cite "the constitution" in forbidding an exercise of power, even though no document exists.
Current examples
The following countries can be considered to have an unwritten constitution:
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: no official constitution was ever written down, because the political system evolved over time, rather than being changed suddenly in an event such as a revolution. See Constitution of the United Kingdom.
- New Zealand: see Constitution of New Zealand.
- Israel: the declaration of independence promised a constitution by 1 October 1948, but due to irreconcilable differences in the Knesset, no complete constitution has been written yet. There are several Basic Laws, however.
Former examples
- Constitution of the Roman Republic made up of the Twelve Tables and other statutes.
See also
- Codified Constitution
- Constitution#Codification
- Constitutional Monarchy
- Statue Law
- Common Law
- Conventions
- Treaties & EU law
- Works of Authority
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