A Treatise upon the Law, Privileges, Proceedings and Usage of Parliament

This 1844 book describing the workings of Parliament is a standard work, still consulted on procedural matters.

Thomas Erskine May (Author)

9781108078733, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 March 2015

518 pages
21 x 15.3 x 3 cm, 0.7 kg

'Erskine May', like 'Hansard', is a book recognised by its author's name much more readily than by its title; and, also like Hansard, it is closely connected to the work of the British Houses of Parliament. Thomas Erskine May (1815–86), clerk to the House of Commons, began his working life as assistant to the House of Commons librarian, and familiarised himself with constitutional history and parliamentary procedure during a long and distinguished career. This 1844 book describes the workings of Parliament, including its constitution, powers and privileges, practice and proceedings, and private bills. The history and traditions of the institution are examined, and current practice explained in detail. It went into several subsequent editions, and was translated into many languages. Erskine May was also a cautious but efficient reformer, streamlining procedures in order to manage much greater amounts of parliamentary business: his work is still consulted on procedural matters.

Preface
Part I. Constitution, Powers, and Privileges of Parliament: 1. Preliminary view of the parts of Parliament
2. Power and jurisdiction of Parliament collectively
3. General view of the privileges of Parliament
4. Privilege of freedom of speech
5. Freedom from arrest or molestation
6. Jurisdiction of courts of law
Part II. Practice and Proceedings in Parliament: 7. Introductory remarks
8. Motions and questions
9. Amendments to questions
10. The same question or bill may not be twice offered in a session
11. Rules of debate
12. Divisions
13. Committees of the whole House
14. Select committees
15. Witnesses
16. Communications between Lords and Commons
17. Communications from the Crown to Parliament
18. Passing public bills
19. Ancient mode of petitioning Parliament
20. Accounts, papers and records
21. Influence of the Commons
22. Issue of writs
23. Impeachment by the Commons
Part III. The Manner of Passing Private Bills: 24. Distinctive character of private bills
25. Conditions to be observed
26. Course of proceedings upon private bills
27. Course of proceedings in the Lords
28. Rules, orders and course of proceedings in the Lords
29. Fees payable
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]