Deck 16: Parliamentary Privilege

Question 1

New privileges can only be created by statute.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a power of the Commons in relation to contempt of Parliament?

A) Reprimanding
B) Suspending
C) Expelling
D) Fining

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of these are the three circumstances laid down in the case of Pepper v Hart (1993) under which courts will be allowed to refer to parliamentary debates?

A) The legislation is obscure
B) The material relied upon is made by a minister or other promoter of the Bill
C) The use of the statement is approved by the Speaker
D) The statements relied upon are clear

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following are identified as Erskine May examples of contempt of Parliament?

A) Presenting a forged document to the House
B) Obstructing witnesses
C) Disobedience to orders of the House
D) Making defamatory statements in the House

Question 5

Which of the following need to be registered in the Register of Members' Interests?

A) Land and property
B) Shareholding
C) Overseas visits
D) Sponsorships

Question 6

Explain the source and nature of parliamentary privileges.

Question 7

Evaluate the relationship between the courts and privilege.

Question 8

Analyse, with reference to key cases, the nature of the privilege of freedom of speech.

Question 9

With reference to examples, to what extent do you believe that the operation of the privilege of freedom of speech is effective and necessary in order to allow Parliament to hold the Executive to account.

Question 10

Describe with reference to case law, the manner and extent to which Parliament can regulate its own proceedings.

Question 11

In relation to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, which of the following is FALSE?

A) It was established by the House of Commons in 1995
B) The Commissioner is appointed by resolution
C) The Commissioner is appointed for a fixed four year term
D) The Commissioner maintains the Register of All-Party Groups

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE in relation to the privilege of freedom of speech?

A) It is enshrined in Article 10 of the Bill of Rights
B) Letters to MP are covered by absolute privilege
C) If the privilege is waived then evidence can be adduced to the court which otherwise would have been excluded
D) The privilege extends to all activities of MPs

Question 13

Which of the following would not attract ABSOLUTE privilege in relation to freedom of speech?

A) Debates
B) Questions on the floor of the House
C) Questions in Standing Committees
D) Letters from constituents to MPs

Question 14

The privilege of freedom from arrest only applies to criminal matters.

Question 15

The privilege of freedom of speech attaches to the criminal activities of MPs.

Question 16

In the case of A v United Kingdom (2002) the defendant was successful in arguing that her inability to challenge defamatory remarks made about her in Parliament infringed upon her rights under articles 6, 8 and 13 of the ECHR.

Question 17

Article 9 of the Bill of Rights cannot be amended.

Question 18

Due to its right to regulate itself, the House of Commons bars can stay open at any time day or night.

Question 19

Ministers must resign any directorships they hold when they take office.

Question 20

No Speaker has been forced out of office since 1695.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a collective privilege of Parliament?

A) Right to regulate its own composition
B) Right to regulate its own procedure
C) Right of access to the Sovereign
D) Freedom of speech

Question 22

For how many days after the end of the parliamentary session does the privilege of freedom from arrest in civil matters extend?

A) 30
B) 40
C) 50
D) 60

Question 23

To what extent do you believe that the current regime effectively regulates the financial interests of MPs?