UK Jurisdictions
The United Kingdom contains three distinct legal systems. Explore how Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish law differ from the English common law system.
Welsh Law
Devolved legislation and the growing body of law made by Senedd Cymru, distinct from English law in key areas.
ExploreScottish Law
A distinct mixed legal system combining civil law and common law traditions, with its own courts, legislature, and legal principles.
ExploreNorthern Irish Law
A separate common law jurisdiction with its own Assembly, courts, and legislation shaped by the unique context of the Good Friday Agreement.
ExploreEngland & Wales: The Primary Jurisdiction
English law is the common law system of England and Wales — one of the UK's three legal systems. Its sources, courts, leading cases, and where Welsh law differs.
ExploreUK-Wide Law
Areas of law where the UK Parliament has exclusive legislative competence, applying uniformly across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
ExploreReserved Matters: Law Made for the Whole UK
Subject areas where the UK Parliament at Westminster retains exclusive legislative competence, regardless of devolution settlements in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
ExploreDevolved Matters: Where Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland Make Their Own Law
Areas of law and policy where the Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru, and Northern Ireland Assembly have independent legislative competence.
ExploreLaw in the UK: An Overview
Why there is no single “British law”, what the laws of England are, where UK law comes from, and how courts and Parliament fit together.
Compare All Three Legal Systems
Side-by-side comparison of courts, criminal law, contract, property, family law, and more across England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.