Make out a case against the adoption of a codified constitution for the UK

As codified constitutions are written one time it would mean that one set of ideologies and values would be implemented therefore it would be bias and unrepresentative. If a codified constitution was to be made now it consist on strong Conservative principle however would be different compared to when Labour are in power. This mean that codified constitutions would cause political bias which would result in a negative affect on the UK and its citizens.

However one major advantage of adapting a codified constitution is that it protects rights. Individual liberties are better protected as the relationship between the people and the state and the power each have id clearly identified in one document. This mean that the rights of individuals can’t be abused by the government and if it does happen they will be able to call them out as being unconstitutional and take them to court. This supports a more democratic country as it give citizens the right to question the government and act on it by taking them to court. Rights would be more clearly stated and easier to enforce. Where as in the human Rights act it is not clear in to who is covered by it, this issue was shown when the Afghani terrorist in 2000 that use the Human Rights Act in their defence for staying in Britain.

Another argument against changing the UK constitution to codify is that it would put too much power in the hand of the Judiciary which is not preferable as they are unelected, therefore they would be gaining illegitimate power. They would also not be politically accountable hence the public would raise questions in to why judges are allowed to control the UK law when even thought they have not been elected. This would be unrepresentative as it gives judges too much power. Also judges are notably highly educated, white middle class, middle aged men, who would not only be unrepresentative; it would be over representative of these people.

Although, a codified constitution could have an educational value to the UK as would highlight the central values and overall goals of the political system. This would strengthen citizenship as it creates a clear sense of political identity. The public would be better informed in politics leading to an increase in the involvement in politics such as and increase in voting  rates and could able create a greater political identity.

Although there appears to be various reasons into how beneficial it would be for the UK to adapt to a codified constitution that are many obstacles preventing this from happening therefore it is unlikely to happen. Also creating a codified constitution will arouse augments between parties and keeping our constitution as it seem like a easier option as it would mean it’d be easier to change and society changes with time. Also the issue regarding rights points toward the introduction of the bill of rights.