History

A love of history is very useful for studying law and politics. For one thing human nature doesn't change. Lord Acton's dictum that "power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely" was true in Ancient Greece and Rome; in Medieval England - and is true today (which is why law is needed to curb these tendencies).

History is particularly useful for understanding Common Law systems - such as those in the UK and USA. It can explainthe background to current practice - and makes certain odd behaviour - in Parliament and Congress - understandable.

Websites relating to the institutions of Government have history links - follow the links below -

UK Parliament
UK Supreme Court

US Congress - House of Representatives
US Congress - Senate
US Supreme Court

Many ways of learning

Reading a book is only one means of learning - it can be combined with others to make study more effective. If your studies involve Constitutional law, law generally, British or American politics- there are many resources available -for free - on the internet.

You can watch law being made -

UK Parliament
US Congress

There are iPhone apps - such as the Parliament Quiz: a fun way of learning about the key facts - and an website providing a quiz and facts about the US Constitution available here.

Radio and TV are great sources for programmes about the working of the Law; the Legislature and politics generally. In the UK there is a radio programme called "Law in Action" and details of other legal radio programmes can be found here.

Washminster is designed to bring you materials useful for the study of UK & US Constitutional Law; law generally; practice and procedure in Parliament and Congress - as well as items of history; tourism - and anything that might be of interest. I hope you'll be checking in frequently to this blog - and do share your comments - the best form of study is to share ideas and discuss with fellow students!

Law in Action

Leaning about a legal system and its practices can be done from a textbook - but visiting a real court makes the words of the book come alive. It is a principle of Common Law systems - such as the English and US systems - that, except in special circumstances (where young people are involved; or the matter is purely domestic, or national security may be endangered), the courts are open to the public.

So if you are learning about Magistrates Courts or County Courts - why not visit the one in your local town? Crown Courts can be found in most large towns - and the High Court sits in various places around England. The Court of Appeal (as well as the High Court) sits in the Royal Courtsof Justice in the Strand, London. The Supreme Court meets in a building on the western side of Parliament Square.

If you are a student, let the court officials know - talking to them, and the lawyers can give a real insight to how the courts work - and will make any textbook, however dry, come alive.

Details of Courts in England and Wales can be found here.