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Trosolwg cynhwysfawr o bob maes cyfreithiol pwysig yng nghyfraith Lloegr.
Victims and Prisoners Act 2024
c. 21 · 2024
Statutory Victims' Code, Independent Public Advocate for major incidents, and Parole Board reforms.
Online Safety Act 2023
c. 50 · 2023
The Online Safety Act 2023 establishes a new regulatory framework for online safety in the UK. Ofcom is the regulator. The Act imposes duties on providers of user-to-user services and search services to protect users (especially children) from illegal and harmful content.
Procurement Act 2023
c. 54 · 2023
The Procurement Act 2023 replaces the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and other procurement regulations, establishing a new unified procurement regime for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It simplifies procurement procedures, introduces greater flexibility, and enhances transparency through a central digital platform. The Act came fully into force in 2024.
Public Order Act 2023
c. 15 · 2023
The Public Order Act 2023 creates new criminal offences targeting protest tactics that cause serious disruption, particularly those used by climate and environmental protest groups. It also introduces Serious Disruption Prevention Orders (SDPOs), which can impose conditions on individuals with a history of protest-related offending.
National Security Act 2023
c. 32 · 2023
The National Security Act 2023 modernises the UK's espionage and state threats legislation, replacing much of the Official Secrets Acts 1911-1989. It creates new offences for spying, sabotage, and foreign interference, and establishes a Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) requiring registration of political influence activities carried out at the direction of foreign powers.
Energy Act 2023
c. 52 · 2023
The Energy Act 2023 is the largest energy legislation in UK history. It establishes the legal frameworks for carbon capture and storage, hydrogen production, and new nuclear technologies. It creates Great British Nuclear as a body to support nuclear development, reforms the energy licensing regime, and provides powers for the Independent System Operator and Planner (ISOP) to manage the electricity system. The Act supports the UK's transition to net zero by 2050.
Illegal Migration Act 2023
c. 37 · 2023
Creates a duty to remove persons arriving illegally. Limits asylum claims, modern slavery protections, and human rights challenges. Subject to ongoing legal challenge.
Renters (Reform) Act 2023
c. 44 · 2023
Abolishes Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, creates periodic tenancies, and establishes a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
Online Safety Act 2023
c. 50 · 2023
The Online Safety Act 2023 introduces a new regulatory framework for online safety in the United Kingdom, making Ofcom the regulator for internet services. It places duties on providers of user-to-user services (social media, forums, messaging) and search services to protect users — especially children — from illegal content, and to manage risks from harmful content. It also creates new criminal offences related to online communications.
Energy Act 2023
c. 52 · 2023
The Energy Act 2023 is the most significant energy legislation since privatisation, establishing frameworks for carbon capture, hydrogen, offshore wind, and nuclear power. It created Great British Nuclear, reformed Ofgem's powers, and set out the regulatory framework for new energy technologies including hydrogen storage and CO2 transport networks.
Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023
c. 36 · 2023
Strengthens the regulatory framework for social housing following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and concerns about housing conditions. Introduces new consumer standards, proactive consumer regulation, and enhanced powers for the Regulator of Social Housing.
Financial Services and Markets Act 2023
c. 29 · 2023
Post-Brexit reform of financial services regulation. Revokes retained EU law in financial services and replaces it with a UK regulatory framework. Introduces new regulatory objectives and accountability measures.
Illegal Migration Act 2023
c. 37 · 2023
Creates a duty on the Secretary of State to remove persons who arrive in the UK illegally, with very limited exceptions. Restricts access to the asylum system and modern slavery protections for those arriving by irregular routes.
Procurement Act 2023
c. 54 · 2023
Replaced the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, establishing a new unified procurement regime for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Simplifies procedures and introduces new transparency requirements.
Energy Act 2023
c. 52 · 2023
A major statute reforming the UK energy sector to support the transition to net zero. It establishes Great British Nuclear, reforms the electricity market (including a new regulatory framework for hydrogen and carbon capture), creates the Independent System Operator and Planner (ISOP), and provides powers for energy security. It also addresses consumer protection in energy markets and reforms the offshore oil and gas decommissioning regime.
Building Safety Act 2022
c. 30 · 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 was enacted following the Grenfell Tower tragedy to overhaul building safety regulation in England. It establishes the Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive, creates a more stringent regulatory regime for higher-risk buildings (generally those at least 18 metres or 7 storeys with at least two residential units), and introduces new duties on those responsible for building safety throughout a building's lifecycle.
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022
c. 32 · 2022
A wide-ranging criminal justice statute that reforms sentencing, introduces new police powers, restricts protest rights, and creates new offences. It includes Harper's Law (mandatory life sentence for killing an emergency worker), increases sentences for child cruelty and animal cruelty, and introduces new powers for police to impose conditions on protests including noise-based conditions.
Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022
c. 1 · 2022
This Act restricts ground rents in new long residential leases to a 'peppercorn' (i.e., zero financial value). It applies to most new long leases of houses and flats granted on or after 30 June 2022 and is designed to protect leaseholders from escalating ground rent obligations. Landlords who charge a prohibited rent commit a civil wrong enforceable by trading standards.
Building Safety Act 2022
c. 30 · 2022
Implemented post-Grenfell reforms. Created the Building Safety Regulator, established a new regime for higher-risk buildings (18m+/7+ storeys), protected leaseholders from remediation costs, and extended limitation periods under the Defective Premises Act 1972 to 30 years.
Nationality and Borders Act 2022
c. 36 · 2022
Two-tier asylum system (Group 1/Group 2 refugees), increased smuggling penalties, age assessment reforms, and nationality law changes.
Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022
c. 1 · 2022
Restricts ground rent in new long residential leases to a peppercorn (zero). Applies from 30 June 2022.
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022
c. 32 · 2022
Increased sentences for serious offences, new protest-related offences, Harper's Law, and Serious Violence Duty.
Building Safety Act 2022
c. 30 · 2022
Enacted in response to the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017 and the subsequent Hackitt Review, the Building Safety Act 2022 fundamentally reforms building safety regulation in England. It creates the Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive, establishes a more stringent regulatory regime for higher-risk buildings (over 18m or 7+ storeys), extends limitation periods for defective premises claims, and provides leaseholder protections from remediation costs.
Charities Act 2022
c. 6 · 2022
The Charities Act 2022 modernises charity governance rules to give trustees more flexibility while maintaining safeguards. It simplifies rules on selling charity land, amending governing documents, spending permanent endowment, and paying trustees, based on Law Commission recommendations.
Elections Act 2022
c. 37 · 2022
The Elections Act 2022 made significant changes to electoral law including requiring photo ID to vote at polling stations, reforming postal and proxy voting, changing the role of the Electoral Commission, and extending the franchise to overseas voters without time limits. It responded to concerns about electoral integrity and modernisation.
Building Safety Act 2022
c. 30 · 2022
Comprehensive reform of building safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Creates the Building Safety Regulator, establishes a new regulatory regime for higher-risk buildings, extends limitation periods for claims under the Defective Premises Act 1972, and introduces the concept of 'accountable persons' responsible for building safety.
Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (Part 5 – Modern Slavery)
c. 36 · 2022
Part 5 reforms the National Referral Mechanism for identifying victims of modern slavery. Introduces a statutory reasonable and conclusive grounds decision framework, raises the standard of proof for reasonable grounds decisions, and introduces disqualification from protection for those who are a threat to public order.
Nationality and Borders Act 2022
c. 36 · 2022
Comprehensive reform of the immigration and asylum system. Introduces differential treatment of refugees based on mode of arrival, reforms the Modern Slavery NRM, creates new criminal offences for illegal entry and facilitation, and amends nationality law.
Domestic Abuse Act 2021
c. 17 · 2021
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 creates a statutory definition of domestic abuse, establishes the office of Domestic Abuse Commissioner, and introduces new protections for victims including Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders, restrictions on cross-examination, and recognition of children as victims.
Environment Act 2021
c. 30 · 2021
The Environment Act 2021 is the UK's post-Brexit environmental governance framework. It established the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) as an independent watchdog, introduced legally binding environmental targets (including on air quality, water, biodiversity, and waste), mandated biodiversity net gain for new developments, and extended producer responsibility for packaging waste.
Fire Safety Act 2021
c. 24 · 2021
Clarified that the Fire Safety Order 2005 applies to the structure, external walls (including cladding), and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings.
Armed Forces Act 2021 (Covenant)
c. 35 · 2021
The Armed Forces Act 2021 enshrines the Armed Forces Covenant in law, requiring public bodies delivering housing, healthcare, and education to have due regard to the Covenant principles when exercising relevant functions. It ensures service personnel, veterans, and their families face no disadvantage compared to civilians.
Fire Safety Act 2021
c. 24 · 2021
Clarifies that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the structure, external walls (including cladding and balconies), and individual flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings.
Sentencing Act 2020
c. 17 · 2020
The Sentencing Act 2020 consolidates sentencing law in England & Wales into a single statute. It brings together provisions from over 50 previous Acts, covering all aspects of sentencing including custodial sentences, community orders, fines, and ancillary orders.
Agriculture Act 2020
c. 21 · 2020
The Agriculture Act 2020 establishes the post-Brexit framework for agricultural policy in England. It replaces the EU Common Agricultural Policy with a system of payments for 'public money for public goods', focused on environmental outcomes. The Act provides for a transition period during which area-based direct payments are phased out and replaced by Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.
Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020
c. 12 · 2020
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA) introduced the most significant reforms to UK insolvency law in over 20 years. Partly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic but drawing on years of consultation, it created three new permanent tools: a standalone moratorium giving financially distressed companies breathing space, a new restructuring plan procedure, and restrictions on suppliers terminating contracts when a customer enters an insolvency procedure.
Sentencing Act 2020
c. 17 · 2020
A major consolidation Act bringing together the procedural and substantive sentencing provisions previously scattered across many statutes. Codifies the purposes of sentencing, maximum penalties, mandatory minimum sentences, community orders, suspended sentences, extended sentences for dangerous offenders, and life sentences.
Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020
c. 12 · 2020
Introduced new rescue tools: a standalone moratorium giving companies breathing space, a new restructuring plan procedure (Part 26A Companies Act 2006), and restrictions on termination of supply contracts by reason of insolvency.
Sentencing Act 2020
c. 17 · 2020
Consolidated sentencing law into a single Act, replacing provisions scattered across numerous statutes. Provides the framework for all sentencing decisions in England & Wales including custody thresholds, community orders, fines, and discharges.
Parole Board Rules 2019
SI 2019/1038 · 2019
Rules governing Parole Board proceedings, including the procedure for oral hearings, disclosure of information, victim participation, and the duty to give reasons for decisions. Introduced following R (DSD) v Parole Board [2018].
Data Protection Act 2018
c. 12 · 2018
The Data Protection Act 2018 supplements the UK GDPR and provides the domestic framework for data protection in the UK. It sets out rules for processing personal data, establishes the role of the Information Commissioner, and provides for enforcement and penalties.
Space Industry Act 2018
c. 5 · 2018
The Space Industry Act 2018 provides the legal framework for commercial spaceflight activities carried out from the UK. It establishes a licensing regime for spaceports, launch operators, and range control. The Act makes the UK one of the first countries to have a comprehensive domestic regulatory framework for commercial space launch and sub-orbital activities.
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018
No. 3 · 2018
The Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018 consolidated and reformed the law governing ecclesiastical courts and the faculty jurisdiction in the Church of England. It replaced the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 and the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991. The Measure governs the Consistory Courts, the faculty system (ecclesiastical planning permission for changes to church buildings), clergy discipline, and appeals to the Court of Arches (Canterbury) and Chancery Court (York).
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018
Church Measure No. 3 · 2018
The EJCCM 2018 consolidated and modernised the Church of England's jurisdiction and faculty system for church buildings. It establishes the consistory courts' jurisdiction over churches, churchyards, and articles, and sets out the faculty petition process for making changes to listed church buildings.
Data Protection Act 2018
c. 12 · 2018
The principal data protection statute, supplementing and adapting the UK GDPR. Provides the domestic framework for the processing of personal data, the rights of data subjects, the regulation of data controllers and processors, and the powers of the Information Commissioner. Also covers law enforcement processing and intelligence services processing.
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018
No. 3 · 2018
The principal Church of England Measure governing the faculty jurisdiction (the system for authorising changes to churches and churchyards) and the ecclesiastical court system. It consolidated and replaced the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 and the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991.
Policing and Crime Act 2017
c. 3 · 2017
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 reformed police complaints, made changes to police powers, and introduced pre-charge bail time limits. It also disregarded historical convictions for consensual homosexual offences.
Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
c. 13 · 2017
Significantly reformed homelessness legislation by introducing new duties to prevent and relieve homelessness, extending the period of threatened homelessness from 28 to 56 days, and requiring local authorities to assess and develop personalised housing plans.
Investigatory Powers Act 2016
c. 25 · 2016
The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (often called the 'Snoopers' Charter') provides a comprehensive legal framework for surveillance and interception of communications by intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and other public bodies. It consolidated and replaced previous legislation including RIPA 2000. The Act authorises bulk data collection, equipment interference (hacking), and requires communications providers to retain internet connection records.
Investigatory Powers Act 2016
c. 25 · 2016
The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (often called the 'Snooper's Charter') provides a comprehensive legal framework for the use of investigatory powers by UK intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and other public authorities. It regulates interception of communications, acquisition of communications data, equipment interference (hacking), and bulk data collection. It introduced the requirement for internet service providers to retain Internet Connection Records (ICRs) for 12 months.
Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
c. 2 · 2016
The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 introduced a blanket ban on the production, supply, and import of psychoactive substances ('legal highs') in the UK. Rather than listing individual substances, it defines 'psychoactive substance' broadly and then exempts legitimate substances.
Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
c. 2 · 2016
The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 introduced a blanket ban on the production, supply, and possession with intent to supply of any substance capable of producing a psychoactive effect in a person, unless exempted. It was designed to tackle the rapid emergence of 'legal highs' — novel psychoactive substances that fell outside the classification system of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
c. 15 · 2015
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is the principal statute governing consumer contracts in England & Wales. It consolidated and replaced previous consumer protection legislation (including consumer provisions of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999). The Act sets out the rights of consumers when buying goods, digital content, and services, and provides rules on unfair contract terms and consumer enforcement.
Modern Slavery Act 2015
c. 30 · 2015
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 consolidates and strengthens the law on slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking in England & Wales. It creates new offences, establishes the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and introduces transparency requirements for businesses.
Insurance Act 2015
c. 4 · 2015
The Insurance Act 2015 reformed the law of insurance disclosure and warranties for commercial (non-consumer) insurance. It replaced the duty of utmost good faith with a duty of fair presentation, reformed the law of warranties (breach suspends rather than discharges liability), and abolished 'basis of contract' clauses. As amended by the Enterprise Act 2016, it implies a term requiring insurers to pay claims within a reasonable time.
Deregulation Act 2015
c. 20 · 2015
Protection from retaliatory eviction and requirements on landlords before serving Section 21 notices.
Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015
c. 2 · 2015
The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 created new offences and reformed judicial review. It introduced the offence of disclosing private sexual images ('revenge porn'), strengthened the law on juror misconduct, and restricted judicial review.
Insurance Act 2015
c. 4 · 2015
The Insurance Act 2015 is the most significant reform of insurance contract law in over a century. It replaces the duty of disclosure under the Marine Insurance Act 1906 with a duty of fair presentation, reforms the insurer's remedies for breach (introducing proportionate remedies instead of automatic avoidance), abolishes basis-of-the-contract clauses, and provides a new default regime for late payment of insurance claims.
Modern Slavery Act 2015
c. 30 · 2015
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 consolidates and strengthens the law on slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking in England and Wales. It creates specific offences, establishes the role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, provides for Slavery and Trafficking Prevention/Risk Orders, and requires large businesses to publish annual transparency statements about their supply chains.
Modern Slavery Act 2015
c. 30 · 2015
Consolidates and strengthens the law on slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Creates the offences of slavery, servitude, and forced labour (s.1) and human trafficking (s.2). Establishes the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and introduces transparency in supply chains requirements.
Children and Families Act 2014
c. 6 · 2014
The Children and Families Act 2014 reformed the system for supporting children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities, introducing Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans for those aged 0–25. It also reformed adoption, family justice, and children's rights.
Care Act 2014
c. 23 · 2014
The Care Act 2014 reformed the law relating to adult social care in England. It consolidated and replaced previous legislation with a single modern framework. The Act establishes duties on local authorities to assess needs, provide care and support, promote individual wellbeing, and prevent the need for care. It introduced a cap on care costs (not yet implemented) and strengthened safeguarding duties.
Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014
c. 17 · 2014
This Act reformed the regulation of remote (online) gambling by requiring all operators providing gambling services to consumers in Great Britain to hold a licence from the Gambling Commission, regardless of where the operator is based. It closed the loophole that had allowed overseas-based operators to serve British consumers without a UK licence, bringing them under full Gambling Commission regulatory oversight.
Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
c. 12 · 2014
Reformed ASB powers, replacing ASBOs with civil injunctions and Criminal Behaviour Orders. Made forced marriage a criminal offence.
Children and Families Act 2014
c. 6 · 2014
Reformed family justice (introducing a 26-week time limit for care proceedings), reformed adoption law, introduced Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs, created the Office of the Children's Commissioner, and extended the right to request flexible working.
Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014
c. 11 · 2014
Extends post-release supervision to offenders serving short custodial sentences (under 12 months) who were previously released without supervision. Introduces rehabilitation activity requirements and reforms licence conditions.
Children and Families Act 2014
c. 6 · 2014
Reformed special educational needs provision, introducing Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans for children and young people aged 0-25. Also reformed adoption, family justice, and childcare.
Defamation Act 2013
c. 26 · 2013
The Defamation Act 2013 reformed the law of defamation in England & Wales to address concerns about the chilling effect of defamation law on freedom of expression. It introduced a serious harm threshold, new statutory defences (truth, honest opinion, publication on a matter of public interest), and provisions dealing with website operators and peer-reviewed publications. It also abolished the common law defences of justification and fair comment, replacing them with the statutory defences.
Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013
SI 2013/3134 · 2013
The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 implemented the EU Consumer Rights Directive, establishing information requirements for consumer contracts and a 14-day right to cancel distance and off-premises contracts.
Defamation Act 2013
c. 26 · 2013
Reformed the law of defamation in England & Wales. Introduced a serious harm threshold (s.1), new statutory defences of truth, honest opinion, and publication on a matter of public interest, a defence for website operators, and provisions to discourage 'libel tourism'. Abolished the common law defences of justification and fair comment.
Defamation Act 2013
c. 26 · 2013
Reformed defamation law, introducing a 'serious harm' threshold for defamation claims and new statutory defences of truth, honest opinion, and publication on a matter of public interest.
Welfare Reform Act 2012
c. 5 · 2012
The Welfare Reform Act 2012 introduced Universal Credit, replacing six means-tested benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment. It also introduced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to replace Disability Living Allowance, the benefit cap, and the under-occupancy charge ('bedroom tax').
Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012
c. 6 · 2012
This Act reformed the pre-contractual duty of disclosure for consumer insurance contracts. It replaced the consumer's duty of disclosure (derived from the Marine Insurance Act 1906) with a duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation. The burden shifted to insurers to ask the right questions rather than relying on consumers to volunteer information. The Act provides a proportionate remedy regime depending on whether the misrepresentation was deliberate/reckless, careless, or innocent.
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012
c. 10 · 2012
LASPO 2012 drastically reformed legal aid, removing most civil legal aid except for specified categories. It also reformed sentencing, conditional fee agreements, and rehabilitation periods for spent convictions.
Welfare Reform Act 2012
c. 5 · 2012
The Welfare Reform Act 2012 introduced the most significant overhaul of the UK welfare system in decades. Its centrepiece is Universal Credit, a single monthly payment replacing six existing means-tested benefits. The Act also replaced Disability Living Allowance with Personal Independence Payment, introduced the benefit cap, reformed Housing Benefit with the 'spare room subsidy' (bedroom tax), and established the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission. It aimed to simplify the benefits system and ensure work always pays.
Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012
SI 2012/3012 · 2012
The CIO Regulations 2012 set out the detailed rules for Charitable Incorporated Organisations, a corporate form created specifically for charities. CIOs have legal personality and limited liability but are regulated only by the Charity Commission (not Companies House), reducing regulatory burden.
Welfare Reform Act 2012
c. 5 · 2012
Introduced Universal Credit, replacing six legacy benefits with a single means-tested payment. Reformed the welfare system, introduced benefit caps, and restructured disability benefits.
Charities Act 2011
c. 25 · 2011
The Charities Act 2011 consolidates charity law in England & Wales. It defines charitable purposes, establishes the public benefit requirement, and sets out the role and powers of the Charity Commission. It governs the registration, reporting, and accounting obligations of charities, and introduces the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) as a new legal form.
Charities Act 2011
c. 25 · 2011
The Charities Act 2011 consolidated previous charities legislation into a single Act. It defines charitable purposes, establishes the Charity Commission's powers, and sets out the regulatory framework for charities in England & Wales. The Act lists 13 descriptions of charitable purposes and requires that every purpose must be for the public benefit.
Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2011
c. 6 · 2011
The Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2011 renamed the Football Licensing Authority as the Sports Grounds Safety Authority and extended its remit beyond football to advise on safety at all sports grounds. It followed the Taylor Report recommendations after Hillsborough.
Charities Act 2011
c. 25 · 2011
The Charities Act 2011 consolidates charity law in England and Wales, defining 'charity' and 'charitable purposes', establishing the Charity Commission's powers, and setting out requirements for registration, accounting, and reporting. It codified the 13 descriptions of charitable purposes for the first time.
Equality Act 2010
c. 15 · 2010
The Equality Act 2010 consolidated and replaced previous anti-discrimination legislation including the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Race Relations Act 1976, and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It provides a single legal framework for protection against discrimination, harassment, and victimisation in employment, education, the provision of services, and the exercise of public functions. It defines nine protected characteristics and prohibits direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
Bribery Act 2010
c. 23 · 2010
The Bribery Act 2010 reformed and consolidated bribery law, creating a modern framework widely regarded as among the strictest anti-bribery regimes in the world. It applies to bribery in the UK and by UK-connected persons abroad.
Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 2010
c. 10 · 2010
This Act modernises and simplifies the procedure by which a third party (e.g., an accident victim) can claim directly against the liability insurer of a defendant who is insolvent or has been dissolved. It replaces the 1930 Act of the same name, removing the requirement for the third party to first establish the insured's liability in separate proceedings before suing the insurer.
Equality Act 2010
c. 15 · 2010
The principal anti-discrimination statute, consolidating and replacing previous legislation (Race Relations Act, Sex Discrimination Act, Disability Discrimination Act, etc.). Protects nine characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Covers employment, services, education, and associations.
Bribery Act 2010
c. 23 · 2010
Modernised and consolidated the law of bribery. Created four offences: bribing another person, being bribed, bribing a foreign public official, and the corporate offence of failure to prevent bribery. Applies extraterritorially and imposes strict liability on commercial organisations unless they can prove adequate procedures were in place.
Equality Act 2010
c. 15 · 2010
Consolidated anti-discrimination legislation into a single framework. Protects individuals from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on nine protected characteristics in employment, services, education, and public functions.
Coroners and Justice Act 2009
c. 25 · 2009
The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 made significant reforms to homicide law, the coroner system, sentencing, and witness protection. It replaced the partial defences of provocation and diminished responsibility with reformed versions: loss of control and updated diminished responsibility. The Act also reformed the coroner service and created new sentencing provisions.
Coroners and Justice Act 2009
c. 25 · 2009
The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 made wide-ranging reforms to the coroner system, homicide law, and sentencing. It reformed the partial defences to murder (loss of control replacing provocation, and diminished responsibility), created the office of Chief Coroner, reformed the law on anonymous witness orders, and introduced sentencing guidelines machinery.
Coroners and Justice Act 2009
c. 25 · 2009
Reforms the coroner system, establishing the office of Chief Coroner and modernising inquest procedures. Also reforms sentencing, criminal evidence, and data sharing.
Climate Change Act 2008
c. 27 · 2008
The Climate Change Act 2008 established the UK's legally binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As amended in 2019, it requires the UK to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The Act created the Climate Change Committee (CCC) as an independent advisory body and introduced the system of five-year carbon budgets to ensure progress towards the target. It was the first legislation of its kind in the world.
Pensions Act 2008
c. 30 · 2008
The Pensions Act 2008 introduced automatic enrolment, requiring all UK employers to enrol eligible workers into a qualifying workplace pension scheme and make minimum contributions. It created the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) as a low-cost pension scheme for workers without access to a suitable employer scheme. The Act represents the most significant expansion of workplace pension coverage in a generation.
Planning Act 2008
c. 29 · 2008
The Planning Act 2008 created a new regime for granting development consent for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) in England and Wales, including energy, transport, water, waste, and wastewater. It established the Infrastructure Planning Commission (now the Planning Inspectorate's National Infrastructure team) and National Policy Statements to guide decision-making on major infrastructure.
Income Tax Act 2007
c. 3 · 2007
The Income Tax Act 2007 is one of the rewrite Acts produced by the Tax Law Rewrite Project, restating income tax law in plainer language. It covers the calculation of income tax liability, personal allowances, tax rates, reliefs (including Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trusts), and the taxation of savings and dividend income.
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
c. 19 · 2007
Creates the offence of corporate manslaughter (corporate homicide in Scotland). An organisation is guilty if the way in which its activities are managed or organised causes a death and amounts to a gross breach of a relevant duty of care owed to the deceased. A substantial element of the breach must be in the way senior management managed or organised activities.
Serious Crime Act 2007
c. 27 · 2007
Part 2 of this Act created three inchoate offences of encouraging or assisting crime, replacing the common law offence of incitement. The offences are: intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence (s.44), encouraging or assisting an offence believing it will be committed (s.45), and encouraging or assisting offences believing one or more will be committed (s.46). These offences apply even if the anticipated offence is never actually committed. The Act also established the Serious Crime Prevention Order regime.
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
c. 15 · 2007
The Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 created a unified tribunal system for England and Wales, establishing the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal with a simplified appeals structure. It also reformed enforcement of judgments and debts.
Mental Health Act 2007
c. 12 · 2007
The Mental Health Act 2007 amended the Mental Health Act 1983, broadening the definition of mental disorder, introducing Community Treatment Orders, and changing the criteria for detention and treatment.
Legal Services Act 2007
c. 29 · 2007
The Legal Services Act 2007 reformed regulation of legal services in England and Wales. It created the Legal Services Board as oversight regulator, allowed Alternative Business Structures (ABS) enabling non-lawyers to own law firms, and defined reserved legal activities.
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
c. 19 · 2007
This Act creates the offence of corporate manslaughter (corporate homicide in Scotland), making organisations criminally liable where a gross breach of a duty of care by the organisation's senior management causes a person's death. It replaced the common law offence of gross negligence manslaughter as it applied to organisations, which had proved almost impossible to prosecute.
Mental Health Act 2007
c. 12 · 2007
Substantially amended the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Introduced community treatment orders, broadened the definition of mental disorder, replaced the treatability test, created the role of responsible clinician and AMHP, and inserted the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards into the MCA 2005.
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
c. 15 · 2007
Reforms the tribunal system, creating a unified two-tier structure (First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal). The Upper Tribunal has judicial review jurisdiction in certain cases. Also introduces enforcement reforms.
Fraud Act 2006
c. 35 · 2006
The Fraud Act 2006 replaced the deception offences in the Theft Acts 1968 and 1978 with a single general offence of fraud, which can be committed in three ways: by false representation, by failing to disclose information, and by abuse of position. The Act also created offences of obtaining services dishonestly and possessing or making articles for use in fraud. It simplified the law and removed the requirement to prove that the victim was actually deceived.
Companies Act 2006
c. 46 · 2006
The Companies Act 2006 is the principal statute governing company law in England & Wales. It is one of the longest Acts ever passed by Parliament, consolidating and reforming previous company legislation. It covers company formation, directors' duties, shareholder rights, accounts and audit, and company administration.
Armed Forces Act 2006
c. 52 · 2006
The Armed Forces Act 2006 created a single system of service law for all three armed forces (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force), replacing the Army Act 1955, Air Force Act 1955, and Naval Discipline Act 1957. It defines service offences, establishes the Court Martial and Service Civilian Court, and provides the framework for service discipline, complaints, and the Service Justice System.
Animal Welfare Act 2006
c. 45 · 2006
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is the principal statute protecting animal welfare in England and Wales. It replaced much of the outdated Protection of Animals Act 1911. The Act creates criminal offences for causing unnecessary suffering to animals and imposes a positive duty of care on anyone responsible for an animal.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
c. 47 · 2006
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 established the Vetting and Barring Scheme and created the Independent Safeguarding Authority (now part of the DBS) to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.
Equality Act 2006
c. 3 · 2006
The Equality Act 2006 established the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (EHRC) and prohibited discrimination on grounds of religion or belief. It was largely superseded by the Equality Act 2010 but remains important for the EHRC's constitution.
Armed Forces Act 2006
c. 52 · 2006
The Armed Forces Act 2006 created a single system of service law covering the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. It established the Court Martial as a permanent standing court, codified service offences from mutiny to absence without leave, and set out the service discipline system including summary hearings and appeals to the Service Civilian Court.
Fraud Act 2006
c. 35 · 2006
Created a single general offence of fraud (replacing the old deception offences in the Theft Acts) that can be committed in three ways: by false representation, by failing to disclose information, and by abuse of position. Also created offences of obtaining services dishonestly, possessing articles for use in fraud, and making or supplying articles for use in fraud.
Animal Welfare Act 2006
c. 45 · 2006
The principal animal welfare statute. Imposes a duty of care on those responsible for animals to ensure their welfare needs are met. Creates offences of unnecessary suffering and failure to meet welfare needs.
Armed Forces Act 2006
c. 52 · 2006
Created a single system of service law for all three armed services. Defines service offences, establishes the Court Martial and Service Civilian Court, and governs service discipline and complaints.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
c. 9 · 2005
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a statutory framework for making decisions on behalf of adults who lack the mental capacity to make those decisions themselves. It is underpinned by five statutory principles and the concept of 'best interests'.
Gambling Act 2005
c. 19 · 2005
The Gambling Act 2005 is the principal statute regulating gambling in England & Wales and Scotland. It established the Gambling Commission as the unified regulator and created a comprehensive licensing framework for casinos, betting, bingo, gaming machines, lotteries, and remote (online) gambling. The Act is structured around three licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005
c. 15 · 2005
Created SOCA (now NCA), made all offences arrestable, and reformed police powers.
Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005
c. 2 · 2005
The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 introduced control orders to restrict the activities of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism. Control orders were replaced by Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs) in 2011.
Constitutional Reform Act 2005
c. 4 · 2005
The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 made fundamental changes to the UK constitution. It created the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (replacing the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the highest court), reformed the office of Lord Chancellor, established the Judicial Appointments Commission, and enshrined the principle of judicial independence in statute for the first time.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
c. 9 · 2005
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) provides the legal framework for acting and making decisions on behalf of adults in England and Wales who lack the mental capacity to make particular decisions for themselves. It establishes five statutory principles, a test for capacity, a best interests framework, and creates mechanisms including Lasting Powers of Attorney, advance decisions, the Court of Protection, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Gambling Act 2005
c. 19 · 2005
The Gambling Act 2005 is the principal statute regulating gambling in Great Britain. It established the Gambling Commission as the unified regulatory body, created a comprehensive licensing framework for all forms of commercial gambling (including casinos, betting, bingo, lotteries, and remote/online gambling), and set out three licensing objectives. It replaced a patchwork of older legislation with a single modern framework.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
c. 9 · 2005
Provides a statutory framework for making decisions on behalf of people who lack mental capacity. Establishes five statutory principles, a functional test of capacity, best interests decision-making, lasting powers of attorney, advance decisions, the Court of Protection, and (as amended) the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Gambling Act 2005
c. 19 · 2005
The principal statute governing gambling in England & Wales and Scotland. It established the Gambling Commission as the unified regulator, replacing a patchwork of earlier legislation. The Act regulates casinos, betting, bingo, gaming machines, lotteries, and remote (online) gambling. It is built on three licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime, ensuring it is fair, and protecting children and vulnerable persons.
Pensions Act 2004
c. 35 · 2004
The Pensions Act 2004 established The Pensions Regulator (TPR) and the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). TPR has powers to regulate occupational pension schemes, issue improvement and contribution notices, and take anti-avoidance action. The PPF provides compensation for members of eligible defined benefit schemes where the employer becomes insolvent and the scheme is underfunded.
Hunting Act 2004
c. 37 · 2004
The Hunting Act 2004 banned hunting wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, primarily targeting fox hunting, deer hunting, hare hunting, and hare coursing. It was the first Act passed under the Parliament Acts procedure since 1949.
Children Act 2004
c. 31 · 2004
The Children Act 2004 was enacted following the Laming Report into the death of Victoria Climbié. It created the framework for inter-agency cooperation to safeguard children, including the duty on agencies to cooperate and share information.
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004
c. 28 · 2004
The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 strengthened protection for victims of domestic violence, created the offence of causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult, and established the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses.
Human Tissue Act 2004
c. 30 · 2004
The Human Tissue Act 2004 was enacted following the Alder Hey organs scandal. It regulates the removal, storage, and use of human tissue and established the Human Tissue Authority as the regulatory body.
Civil Partnership Act 2004
c. 33 · 2004
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 created civil partnerships as a legal status for same-sex couples, giving them equivalent rights and obligations to married couples in areas including property, inheritance, pensions, and immigration. Since the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, same-sex couples can also marry.
Gender Recognition Act 2004
c. 7 · 2004
The Gender Recognition Act 2004 provides a legal process for transgender people to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), changing their legal gender for all purposes including birth certificates.
Housing Act 2004
c. 34 · 2004
The Housing Act 2004 introduced a comprehensive system for assessing housing conditions through the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), replacing the old fitness standard. It established mandatory and additional licensing schemes for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), created Home Information Packs (later abolished), and reformed the right to buy for housing association tenants. The Act significantly strengthened local authority powers to enforce housing standards.
Children Act 2004
c. 31 · 2004
The Children Act 2004 was enacted following the Victoria Climbié inquiry and the 'Every Child Matters' Green Paper. It created a framework for inter-agency cooperation to improve the well-being of children, established the Children's Commissioner for England, introduced Local Safeguarding Children Boards, and imposed duties on agencies to share information and cooperate to safeguard and promote children's welfare.
Children Act 2004
c. 31 · 2004
Enacted following the Victoria Climbié inquiry (Laming Report). Established the Children's Commissioner for England, created a duty on agencies to co-operate to improve children's wellbeing, established Local Safeguarding Children Boards (now replaced by multi-agency safeguarding arrangements), and introduced information databases.
Pensions Act 2004
c. 35 · 2004
Established The Pensions Regulator (TPR) and the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). Created a new regulatory framework for occupational and personal pension schemes with powers to protect members' benefits.
Sexual Offences Act 2003
c. 42 · 2003
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 comprehensively reformed the law on sexual offences in England & Wales, replacing the Sexual Offences Act 1956. It introduced clearer definitions of consent (s.74), presumptions about consent (ss.75–76), and modernised offences including rape (s.1), assault by penetration (s.2), sexual assault (s.3), and causing sexual activity without consent (s.4). It also introduced specific offences protecting children, persons with mental disorders, and offences relating to exploitation.
Criminal Justice Act 2003
c. 44 · 2003
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 is a major piece of criminal justice legislation covering evidence, sentencing, and procedure. It reformed the rules on hearsay evidence, bad character evidence, and double jeopardy. It introduced the suspended sentence order, community orders, and reformed the sentencing framework including dangerous offender provisions. It also permitted retrial for serious offences where new and compelling evidence emerges after acquittal.
Licensing Act 2003
c. 17 · 2003
The Licensing Act 2003 is the principal statute governing the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment in England & Wales. It established a unified licensing system administered by local authorities, replacing the previous magistrates' court licensing regime. All licensing decisions must promote the four licensing objectives.
Communications Act 2003
c. 21 · 2003
The Communications Act 2003 established Ofcom as the unified regulator for UK communications industries, covering telecommunications, television, radio, and wireless communications. It replaced the patchwork of earlier regulators and sets out the licensing framework for broadcast media, rules on media ownership, and provisions on electronic communications networks.
Extradition Act 2003
c. 41 · 2003
The Extradition Act 2003 provides the legal framework for extradition from the UK. It divides requesting territories into Category 1 (European Arrest Warrant countries — Part 1) and Category 2 (all other countries with extradition treaties — Part 2). The Act sets out the procedures, bars to extradition, and rights of appeal for requested persons.
Extradition Act 2003
c. 41 · 2003
Provides the legal framework for extradition from and to the UK. Part 1 covers Category 1 territories (formerly EU/EAW, now UK-EU TCA). Part 2 covers Category 2 territories (e.g. US). Includes human rights bars, forum bar, and proportionality provisions.
Communications Act 2003
c. 21 · 2003
The Communications Act 2003 is the principal statute governing electronic communications, broadcasting, and spectrum management in the UK. It established Ofcom as the single converged regulator for telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services. The Act sets the duties and powers of Ofcom, the regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services, and the regime for regulating television and radio content. It also contains important provisions on media ownership, public service broadcasting, and the regulation of premium rate services.
Communications Act 2003
c. 21 · 2003
The Communications Act 2003 is the principal legislation governing electronic communications, broadcasting, and the postal service in the United Kingdom. It established Ofcom as the converged regulator for telecommunications, broadcasting, and spectrum management. It sets out the regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services, broadcasting standards, and media ownership rules.
Clergy Discipline Measure 2003
Church Measure No. 3 · 2003
The Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 established the current system for dealing with misconduct by Church of England clergy. It replaced the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 for disciplinary matters, creating a more modern and accessible process while retaining bishop's tribunals for serious cases.
Criminal Justice Act 2003
c. 44 · 2003
A wide-ranging criminal justice statute that reformed sentencing (now largely consolidated into the Sentencing Act 2020), introduced conditional cautions, reformed the law on bad character evidence and hearsay, created indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP, now abolished for new offenders), and reformed the rules on double jeopardy and retrials.
Licensing Act 2003
c. 17 · 2003
Regulates the sale and supply of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. Establishes a system of premises licences, personal licences, club premises certificates, and temporary event notices.
Extradition Act 2003
c. 41 · 2003
Provides the legal framework for extradition from the UK. Part 1 covers extradition to Category 1 territories (European Arrest Warrant). Part 2 covers Category 2 territories including the USA. Includes human rights bars and the forum bar.
Communications Act 2003
c. 21 · 2003
The principal statute governing electronic communications, broadcasting, and telecommunications. Establishes Ofcom as the converged regulator. Contains the Electronic Communications Code for telecoms apparatus installation.
Extradition Act 2003
c. 41 · 2003
The principal statute governing extradition from the UK. Part 1 covers Category 1 territories (European Arrest Warrants); Part 2 covers Category 2 territories (including the US). Provides bars to extradition including human rights, passage of time, and forum.
Land Registration Act 2002
c. 9 · 2002
The Land Registration Act 2002 reformed and modernised the system of land registration in England & Wales, replacing the Land Registration Act 1925. It introduced electronic conveyancing provisions, reformed the law on adverse possession of registered land, strengthened the protection of registered titles, and clarified the rules on overriding interests. The Act aims to create a complete and accurate register of title as a mirror of all interests affecting registered land.
Enterprise Act 2002
c. 40 · 2002
The Enterprise Act 2002 reformed UK competition and consumer law. It created the Office of Fair Trading (now CMA), introduced the UK merger control regime, established the criminal cartel offence (now requiring dishonesty to be removed following 2013 amendment), reformed insolvency law, and strengthened consumer enforcement powers.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
c. 29 · 2002
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) provides the principal framework for the recovery of criminal assets in England and Wales. It establishes confiscation orders following conviction, civil recovery of the proceeds of unlawful conduct, cash seizure and forfeiture, and money laundering offences. It also created the Assets Recovery Agency (now merged into the National Crime Agency).
Adoption and Children Act 2002
c. 38 · 2002
The Adoption and Children Act 2002 modernised the adoption framework in England & Wales, replacing the Adoption Act 1976. It aligned adoption law with the Children Act 1989 by making the child's welfare the paramount consideration. The Act permitted adoption by single people, married couples, and civil partners, and introduced special guardianship orders as an alternative to adoption.
Enterprise Act 2002
c. 40 · 2002
The Enterprise Act 2002 reformed UK competition and consumer law, establishing the merger control and market investigation regimes, and introducing a criminal cartel offence. It created the framework under which the Competition and Markets Authority now operates, including powers to conduct market studies and make market investigation references. The Act also significantly reformed corporate insolvency by restricting the use of administrative receivership and promoting the rescue culture.
Police Reform Act 2002
c. 30 · 2002
Established the Independent Police Complaints Commission (now the Independent Office for Police Conduct — IOPC), introduced Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) with limited powers, and provided a framework for police reform including conduct and discipline procedures.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
c. 29 · 2002
The principal statute on criminal confiscation, civil recovery of the proceeds of crime, and anti-money laundering. Provides for confiscation orders after conviction, civil recovery without conviction, cash seizure, and the obligations on the regulated sector to report suspicions of money laundering via Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
c. 8 · 2000
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) is the principal statute governing the regulation of financial services in the United Kingdom. It established the Financial Services Authority (now replaced by the FCA and PRA) and provides the regulatory framework for authorisation, supervision, and enforcement of firms carrying on regulated activities.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
c. 36 · 2000
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to information held by public authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (and UK-wide public authorities). Public authorities must publish information proactively (publication schemes) and respond to individual requests within 20 working days, subject to exemptions protecting national security, personal data, commercial interests, and policy formulation.
Trustee Act 2000
c. 29 · 2000
The Trustee Act 2000 modernised the powers and duties of trustees in England and Wales. It introduced a statutory duty of care, widened trustees' investment powers, permitted delegation to agents, nominees, and custodians, and allowed trustees to insure trust property. It applies to most express trusts unless excluded by the trust instrument.
Terrorism Act 2000
c. 11 · 2000
The Terrorism Act 2000 is the principal counter-terrorism statute in the UK. It defines terrorism, creates terrorism-related offences, provides for proscription of terrorist organisations, grants investigatory powers, and establishes the Schedule 7 port and border stop power. It replaced earlier temporary provisions with a permanent legislative framework.
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
c. 23 · 2000
Regulated covert surveillance and investigation powers. Provisions on directed surveillance and CHIS remain in force; interception largely superseded by IPA 2016.
Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000
c. 6 · 2000
Consolidated sentencing legislation. Largely superseded by the Sentencing Act 2020 but historically important for establishing the framework of community sentences, fines, discharges, and ancillary orders.
Terrorism Act 2000
c. 11 · 2000
The Terrorism Act 2000 is the principal statute defining terrorism and creating terrorism-related offences. It defines terrorism broadly, creates offences of membership of proscribed organisations, terrorist fundraising, and provides police with stop and search and detention powers.
Trustee Act 2000
c. 29 · 2000
The Trustee Act 2000 modernised the powers and duties of trustees in England & Wales. It replaced the narrow 'prudent man of business' standard with a statutory duty of care, introduced a general power of investment, widened powers to acquire land, and created a framework for delegating trustee functions. It applies as a default to most express trusts unless excluded by the trust instrument.
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
c. 41 · 2000
PPERA 2000 created the Electoral Commission and established the framework for party registration, campaign finance, and referendum regulation. It requires registration of political parties, regulates donations and spending, and created the independent Electoral Commission to oversee electoral matters.
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
c. 8 · 2000
The primary legislation governing financial services regulation in the UK. Establishes the regulatory framework, the general prohibition on carrying on regulated activities without authorisation, market abuse provisions, and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Terrorism Act 2000
c. 11 · 2000
The principal counter-terrorism statute, defining terrorism, creating terrorism offences, providing powers of stop and search, establishing proscription of terrorist organisations, and granting powers of detention at ports.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
c. 36 · 2000
Gives the public a right to request information held by public authorities. Authorities must confirm or deny whether they hold the information and, if so, provide it, subject to exemptions.
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
c. 31 · 1999
This Act creates a statutory exception to the doctrine of privity of contract. It allows a person who is not a party to a contract to enforce a term of that contract if the contract expressly provides that they may, or if the term purports to confer a benefit on them (unless on a proper construction the parties did not intend the term to be enforceable by the third party). It represents the most significant reform of the privity rule since Tweddle v Atkinson (1861).
Access to Justice Act 1999
c. 22 · 1999
The Access to Justice Act 1999 reformed the legal aid system in England and Wales, replacing the Legal Aid Board with the Legal Services Commission. It established the Community Legal Service (for civil cases) and the Criminal Defence Service (for criminal cases). The Act also reformed conditional fee agreements ('no win, no fee') and rights of audience for solicitors.
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999
c. 23 · 1999
The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 reformed the youth justice system and introduced special measures to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in criminal proceedings. It also introduced referral orders for young offenders.
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
c. 31 · 1999
The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 reformed the doctrine of privity of contract by allowing a third party to enforce a contractual term if the contract expressly provides for it or purports to confer a benefit on them.
Human Rights Act 1998
c. 42 · 1998
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK domestic law. It enables individuals to enforce their Convention rights directly in UK courts, rather than having to go to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The Act requires all public authorities to act compatibly with Convention rights and requires courts to interpret legislation, so far as possible, in a way compatible with those rights.
Competition Act 1998
c. 41 · 1998
The Competition Act 1998 is the principal UK statute prohibiting anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant market position. It introduced two prohibitions modelled on EU competition law: the Chapter I prohibition (anti-competitive agreements, equivalent to Article 101 TFEU) and the Chapter II prohibition (abuse of dominant position, equivalent to Article 102 TFEU). The CMA is the primary enforcement authority.
Crime and Disorder Act 1998
c. 37 · 1998
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 introduced anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), racially and religiously aggravated offences, the youth justice framework, and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. It reformed youth sentencing, abolished the doli incapax presumption for children aged 10–13, and established the Youth Justice Board.
National Minimum Wage Act 1998
c. 39 · 1998
Established the national minimum wage. Workers 16+ are entitled; 21+ get the National Living Wage. HMRC enforces compliance.
Working Time Regulations 1998
SI 1998/1833 · 1998
The Working Time Regulations 1998 implemented the EU Working Time Directive, establishing maximum working hours, rest breaks, and paid annual leave entitlements for workers in the UK.
Competition Act 1998
c. 41 · 1998
The Competition Act 1998 is the primary UK statute prohibiting anti-competitive agreements and abuse of a dominant position. Modelled closely on Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, it introduced the 'Chapter I prohibition' against agreements that prevent, restrict or distort competition, and the 'Chapter II prohibition' against abuse of a dominant market position. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces the Act with power to impose fines of up to 10% of worldwide turnover.
Petroleum Act 1998
c. 17 · 1998
The Petroleum Act 1998 consolidated legislation on oil and gas exploration and production in the UK Continental Shelf. It vests ownership of petroleum in the Crown and establishes the licensing regime administered by the North Sea Transition Authority (formerly Oil and Gas Authority). It also provides for decommissioning obligations.
Human Rights Act 1998
c. 42 · 1998
Incorporates the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights into UK domestic law. Public authorities must act compatibly with Convention rights, and courts must interpret legislation compatibly so far as possible. Provides a domestic remedy for breach of Convention rights.
Protection from Harassment Act 1997
c. 40 · 1997
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 creates criminal offences and civil remedies for harassment and stalking. It provides for restraining orders and injunctions to protect victims.
Protection from Harassment Act 1997
c. 40 · 1997
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 created criminal offences of harassment and stalking, and provided civil remedies including injunctions and damages for victims of harassment.
Employment Rights Act 1996
c. 18 · 1996
The Employment Rights Act 1996 is the cornerstone statute governing individual employment rights in England & Wales. It consolidated the Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978 and other legislation into a single comprehensive Act. It covers employment particulars, protection of wages, Sunday working, time off rights, suspension from work, maternity rights, dismissal (including unfair dismissal and redundancy), and whistleblowing protection. It has been extensively amended, notably by the Employment Relations Act 1999 and the Employment Act 2002.
Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
c. 53 · 1996
The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (commonly called 'the Construction Act') introduced statutory adjudication and payment provisions for construction contracts. Part II provides a right to refer disputes to adjudication at any time, and regulates interim payments through payment and pay-less notices. It was substantially amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.
Education Act 1996
c. 56 · 1996
The Education Act 1996 consolidates previous education legislation and establishes the fundamental duty on parents to ensure children of compulsory school age receive efficient full-time education. It covers school organisation, admissions, special educational needs, and the duties of local authorities to provide sufficient schools.
Arbitration Act 1996
c. 23 · 1996
The Arbitration Act 1996 is the principal statute governing arbitration in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, it establishes the framework for arbitration agreements, arbitral proceedings, and arbitral awards. It enshrines the principles of party autonomy and limited court intervention, making London one of the world's premier arbitration seats.
Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996
c. 47 · 1996
TOLATA reformed the law relating to trusts of land in England and Wales. It replaced the old dual system of strict settlements (Settled Land Act 1925) and trusts for sale with a single 'trust of land'. All trusts affecting land are now trusts of land, giving trustees the powers of an absolute owner. The Act sets out the duties of trustees, the rights of beneficiaries (including a right to occupy trust land), and the factors the court must consider when making orders under s.14–15. It is central to property disputes between cohabitants.
Defamation Act 1996
c. 31 · 1996
The Defamation Act 1996 reformed aspects of defamation law in England & Wales. It introduced the 'offer to make amends' procedure (allowing publishers to apologise and pay compensation as a defence), established the 'innocent dissemination' defence for distributors, printers, and broadcasters, and reduced the limitation period for defamation claims to one year. While partially superseded by the Defamation Act 2013, several provisions remain in force.
Housing Act 1996
c. 52 · 1996
The Housing Act 1996 reformed housing allocation, homelessness, and social housing regulation. Part VI governs local authority housing allocation schemes, and Part VII sets out duties owed to homeless persons.
Employment Tribunals Act 1996
c. 17 · 1996
The Employment Tribunals Act 1996 establishes the legal framework for employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal in England and Wales and Scotland.
Education Act 1996
c. 56 · 1996
The Education Act 1996 consolidated education law and sets out parental duties, local authority obligations, and the framework for school governance, admissions, and special educational needs in England and Wales.
Arbitration Act 1996
c. 23 · 1996
The Arbitration Act 1996 is the principal statute governing arbitration in England & Wales and Northern Ireland. It establishes the principle of party autonomy, sets out the duties of arbitral tribunals, and limits court intervention. The Act has made London one of the world's leading arbitration seats and applies to both domestic and international arbitrations.
Education Act 1996
c. 56 · 1996
The Education Act 1996 consolidated education law in England & Wales. It imposes a duty on local authorities to ensure sufficient school places, a duty on parents to ensure their children receive efficient full-time education, and establishes the framework for special educational needs provision. It remains the foundation statute for compulsory education.
Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
c. 53 · 1996
Part II of this Act (commonly known as the 'Construction Act') revolutionised the UK construction industry by introducing a statutory right to adjudication and a right to interim payment for all parties to construction contracts. It addressed the longstanding problem of late and non-payment in the industry and established adjudication as a rapid dispute resolution mechanism.
Arbitration Act 1996
c. 23 · 1996
The Arbitration Act 1996 is the principal statute governing arbitration in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, it establishes the legal framework for arbitration agreements, the constitution of arbitral tribunals, and the conduct of arbitral proceedings. It enshrines party autonomy as its foundational principle while providing a supportive framework through the courts.
Reserve Forces Act 1996
c. 14 · 1996
The Reserve Forces Act 1996 consolidated legislation on reserve forces (Territorial Army, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Air Force Reserve, and others). It sets out reserve liability, call-out powers, training obligations, and protections for reservists' civilian employment.
Housing Act 1996 (Part VII – Homelessness)
c. 52 · 1996
Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 establishes the framework for local authority duties to homeless persons, including the assessment of eligibility, priority need, intentional homelessness, and the duty to secure accommodation.
Education Act 1996
c. 56 · 1996
The principal statute governing education in England & Wales. Establishes the duty to provide education, the framework for school governance, and parental rights including the duty to ensure children receive suitable education.
Arbitration Act 1996
c. 23 · 1996
The principal statute governing arbitration in England & Wales. Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, it establishes the framework for arbitration agreements, tribunal powers, awards, and limited court intervention. Makes London one of the world's leading arbitration seats.
Merchant Shipping Act 1995
c. 21 · 1995
The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 consolidates UK legislation on merchant shipping, covering registration of ships, safety standards, prevention of pollution, liability for oil pollution damage, wreck removal, and the welfare of seafarers. It implements various international maritime conventions into UK law.
Pensions Act 1995
c. 26 · 1995
The Pensions Act 1995 introduced sweeping reforms to occupational pension scheme regulation in the UK following the Maxwell pension fraud scandal. It established the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA, later replaced by The Pensions Regulator), introduced minimum funding requirements, and imposed fiduciary duties on pension trustees. The Act strengthened member protection and set the framework for modern pension governance.
Merchant Shipping Act 1995
c. 21 · 1995
The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 consolidates and updates UK merchant shipping law, covering ship registration, safety, pollution prevention, seafarer employment, and maritime casualty investigation. It implements numerous international maritime conventions including SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (pollution prevention).
Trade Marks Act 1994
c. 26 · 1994
The Trade Marks Act 1994 governs the registration and protection of trade marks in the UK. It implemented the EU Trade Marks Directive and provides for a system of registered trade marks through the Intellectual Property Office. The Act defines what constitutes a trade mark, grounds for refusal, infringement, and remedies.
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
c. 33 · 1994
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 made wide-ranging changes to criminal justice including permitting adverse inferences from silence, creating offences relating to raves and trespass, and abolishing the right to committal proceedings.
Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992
c. 52 · 1992
Principal statute on trade unions, collective bargaining, and industrial action. Requires ballots for lawful strikes.
Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992
c. 4 · 1992
The Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 is the primary statute governing the framework for national insurance contributions and the main social security benefits in Great Britain. It consolidated earlier legislation and sets out the rules for contributory and non-contributory benefits including Jobseeker's Allowance, Incapacity Benefit (now replaced by ESA), statutory sick pay, statutory maternity pay, child benefit, and the state retirement pension. Though much of the benefits landscape has been reformed by Universal Credit, the Act remains the foundation of the UK welfare system.
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992
c. 50 · 1992
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992 modernised the law on bills of lading, sea waybills, and ship's delivery orders. It replaced the Bills of Lading Act 1855 to resolve problems with containers and bulk cargo, allowing lawful holders of shipping documents to acquire contractual rights and liabilities under contracts of carriage.
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
c. 65 · 1991
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits certain types of dogs bred for fighting and creates offences relating to dogs that are dangerously out of control. It was enacted in response to a series of attacks and remains one of the most debated pieces of animal-related legislation.
Water Industry Act 1991
c. 56 · 1991
The Water Industry Act 1991 regulates water supply and sewerage services in England and Wales. It establishes the duties of water and sewerage undertakers, the role of Ofwat as economic regulator, and the rights of consumers.
Water Industry Act 1991
c. 56 · 1991
Regulates the provision of water and sewerage services by water companies. Establishes duties to supply wholesome water, maintain sewerage systems, and sets out the framework for Ofwat regulation.
Water Industry Act 1991
c. 56 · 1991
The principal statute governing the water and sewerage industry in England & Wales. Establishes duties of water and sewerage undertakers, rights of consumers, and the regulatory framework administered by Ofwat.
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
c. 8 · 1990
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is the principal planning statute for England & Wales. It defines 'development', requires planning permission for development, establishes the development plan system, and provides for enforcement of planning control. Planning decisions must be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
Computer Misuse Act 1990
c. 18 · 1990
The Computer Misuse Act 1990 is the principal statute criminalising hacking and cybercrime in England & Wales. It creates three core offences: unauthorised access to computer material, unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences, and unauthorised acts with intent to impair the operation of a computer. It was substantially amended by the Serious Crime Act 2015 to address modern cybercrime threats.
Environmental Protection Act 1990
c. 43 · 1990
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 is foundational environmental legislation covering integrated pollution control, waste management, statutory nuisance, and contaminated land. It imposes a duty of care on anyone who handles waste.
Food Safety Act 1990
c. 16 · 1990
The Food Safety Act 1990 provides the framework for food safety regulation in England and Wales. It creates offences for selling food that is unfit, injurious to health, or not of the nature, substance, or quality demanded, and provides enforcement powers for local authorities and the Food Standards Agency.
Environmental Protection Act 1990
c. 43 · 1990
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 is a cornerstone of environmental regulation in England & Wales. It established the system of integrated pollution control (IPC) for major industrial processes and local authority air pollution control for lesser processes. Part II governs waste management, Part IIA (inserted 1995) addresses contaminated land, and Part III deals with statutory nuisances. It created the framework later developed by the Environment Act 1995 and Environment Act 2021.
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
c. 8 · 1990
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is the principal statute governing land use planning in England. It establishes the requirement for planning permission for 'development' of land, sets out the plan-led system, and provides for enforcement of planning control. The Act is central to controlling how land and buildings are used and developed.
Broadcasting Act 1990
c. 42 · 1990
The Broadcasting Act 1990 replaced the Independent Broadcasting Authority with the Independent Television Commission (ITC) and Radio Authority, and introduced a competitive tendering process for ITV franchises. It established the framework for regulating commercial television and radio services, created the Broadcasting Standards Council, and deregulated aspects of commercial broadcasting. The Act marked a fundamental shift from public-service paternalism towards a market-led approach.
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
c. 8 · 1990
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA) is the principal statute governing town and country planning in England and Wales. It requires planning permission for development of land, establishes the development plan system, and provides for enforcement of planning control. It underpins virtually all decisions about what can be built and where.
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
c. 9 · 1990
Provides for the listing of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, the requirement for listed building consent for works affecting their character, and the designation of conservation areas.
Food Safety Act 1990
c. 16 · 1990
The principal food safety statute. Makes it an offence to sell food that is injurious to health, unfit for human consumption, or not of the nature, substance, or quality demanded. Provides for the due diligence defence.
Computer Misuse Act 1990
c. 18 · 1990
Creates criminal offences of unauthorised access to computer material (s.1), unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences (s.2), and unauthorised acts with intent to impair computer operation (s.3).
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
c. 9 · 1990
Provides the legal framework for the protection of listed buildings and conservation areas. Listed building consent is required for works affecting the character of a listed building. Unauthorised works are a criminal offence.
Children Act 1989
c. 41 · 1989
The Children Act 1989 is the foundational statute for child law in England & Wales. It introduced the welfare principle (the child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration), the welfare checklist, parental responsibility, and a range of court orders (including child arrangements orders, specific issue orders, and prohibited steps orders). It also established the framework for local authority involvement in child protection, including care orders and supervision orders. The Act promotes the principle that children are best raised by their families wherever possible.
Football Spectators Act 1989
c. 37 · 1989
The Football Spectators Act 1989, enacted in response to football hooliganism and the Hillsborough disaster, provides for football banning orders — civil orders preventing individuals from attending regulated football matches in England and Wales and requiring surrender of passports during international tournaments. It also established the Football Licensing Authority (now the Sports Grounds Safety Authority).
Official Secrets Act 1989
c. 6 · 1989
The Official Secrets Act 1989 replaced the 'catch-all' section 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1911. It creates specific offences for unauthorised disclosure of information in six protected categories by Crown servants and government contractors.
Children Act 1989
c. 41 · 1989
The Children Act 1989 is the foundational statute governing the law relating to children in England and Wales. It introduced the paramount welfare principle, the concept of parental responsibility, the no-order principle, and a unified framework for public and private law proceedings concerning children. It established care orders, supervision orders, emergency protection, and the duties of local authorities towards children in need.
Football Spectators Act 1989
c. 37 · 1989
The Football Spectators Act 1989 introduced football banning orders to prevent known hooligans from attending matches in England and abroad. Following disorder at Heysel and Hillsborough, it created a licensing scheme for grounds and established the Football Licensing Authority (now Sports Grounds Safety Authority).
Electricity Act 1989
c. 29 · 1989
The Electricity Act 1989 privatised the electricity supply industry and established the regulatory framework that continues today. It created the licensing regime for generation, transmission, distribution, and supply, established the regulator (now Ofgem), and imposed duties regarding security of supply and environmental obligations.
Children Act 1989
c. 41 · 1989
The foundational statute for child welfare and protection in England & Wales. Established the paramount principle (the child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration), defined parental responsibility, created the framework for care and supervision orders, set out the 'no order' principle, and established the welfare checklist.
Football Spectators Act 1989
c. 37 · 1989
Provides for the regulation of football matches, including football banning orders to prevent violence and disorder. Created in response to the Hillsborough disaster and football hooliganism.
Children Act 1989
c. 41 · 1989
The foundational statute for child protection and family law. Establishes the welfare principle, parental responsibility, care proceedings thresholds, and local authority duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Road Traffic Act 1988
c. 52 · 1988
The Road Traffic Act 1988 is the principal statute governing road traffic offences and vehicle regulation in Great Britain. It covers dangerous and careless driving, drink and drug driving, causing death by driving, insurance requirements, and vehicle construction and use.
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
c. 48 · 1988
The CDPA 1988 is the primary statute governing copyright, design rights, and patent law in the UK. It defines the types of work protected by copyright, the duration of protection, the rights of copyright owners, and the exceptions and limitations. It also establishes the framework for registered and unregistered design rights and contains provisions on patents and performers' rights.
Housing Act 1988
c. 50 · 1988
The Housing Act 1988 introduced assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) as the primary forms of private residential tenancy in England & Wales. It replaced the Rent Act 1977 framework for new tenancies and significantly reduced security of tenure and rent control. ASTs have become the standard form of private sector tenancy.
Road Traffic Act 1988
c. 52 · 1988
The Road Traffic Act 1988 is the principal statute governing road traffic offences in England and Wales. It creates offences including dangerous driving, drink-driving, driving without insurance, and causing death by dangerous driving.
Housing Act 1988
c. 50 · 1988
The Housing Act 1988 fundamentally reformed the private rented sector in England and Wales by introducing assured and assured shorthold tenancies. It effectively deregulated private sector rents and replaced the previous system of regulated tenancies under the Rent Act 1977 with a market-based approach. The Act also transferred housing association tenancies to the assured tenancy regime and enabled the creation of Housing Action Trusts.
Road Traffic Act 1988
c. 52 · 1988
The Road Traffic Act 1988 is the principal statute governing road traffic offences and driver/vehicle regulation in Great Britain. It defines offences including dangerous driving, careless driving, drink-driving, and driving without insurance. It also covers vehicle construction and use, driving licences, and third-party insurance requirements.
Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988
c. 53 · 1988
The Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 provides the procedural and sentencing framework for road traffic offences. It covers the penalty points system, disqualification from driving, fixed penalty procedures, and evidential provisions for speeding and drink-driving offences.
Consumer Protection Act 1987
c. 43 · 1987
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 implements the EU Product Liability Directive (85/374/EEC) into English law. Part I establishes strict liability for damage caused by defective products — claimants need not prove negligence. Part II creates criminal offences for supplying unsafe consumer goods. Part III addresses misleading price indications.
Consumer Protection Act 1987
c. 43 · 1987
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 implemented the EU Product Liability Directive into English law. Part I establishes strict liability for damage caused by defective products — claimants need not prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused the damage. Part II creates criminal offences for supplying unsafe consumer goods. Part III deals with misleading price indications.
Insolvency Act 1986
c. 45 · 1986
The Insolvency Act 1986 is the principal legislation governing corporate and personal insolvency in England & Wales. It provides the legal framework for administration, liquidation, company voluntary arrangements, receivership, bankruptcy, and individual voluntary arrangements. The Act sets out the duties and powers of insolvency practitioners, the rights of creditors, and the consequences for directors of insolvent companies.
Public Order Act 1986
c. 64 · 1986
The Public Order Act 1986 creates a range of offences designed to maintain public order. It replaced older common law offences and statutory provisions with a modern statutory framework. The offences range from riot (the most serious) to using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour.
Latent Damage Act 1986
c. 37 · 1986
This Act addresses the problem of latent damage in negligence claims — damage that is hidden and may not be discoverable until years after the negligent act. It amended the Limitation Act 1980 to provide an alternative starting date for the limitation period: three years from the date the claimant knew (or ought reasonably to have known) of the material facts. It also introduced a longstop period of 15 years from the date of the negligent act, after which no claim can be brought regardless of knowledge.
Outer Space Act 1986
c. 38 · 1986
The Outer Space Act 1986 was the first UK legislation regulating space activities. It requires any person or organisation carrying out space activities (launching or procuring the launch of space objects, operating space objects, or any activity in outer space) to obtain a licence from the Secretary of State. It implements the UK's international obligations under the UN Outer Space Treaty 1967 and Liability Convention 1972.
Public Order Act 1986
c. 64 · 1986
The Public Order Act 1986 creates a hierarchy of public order offences from riot (the most serious) through violent disorder, affray, threatening behaviour, and harassment, alarm or distress. It also contains provisions on racial hatred.
Insolvency Act 1986
c. 45 · 1986
The Insolvency Act 1986 is the principal statute governing corporate and personal insolvency in England & Wales. For companies, it provides for voluntary arrangements, administration, receivership, and winding up (liquidation). For individuals, it covers individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs), bankruptcy, and discharge. It also contains provisions on transactions at an undervalue, preferences, and directors' liability for wrongful and fraudulent trading.
Insolvency Act 1986
c. 45 · 1986
The principal statute governing corporate and personal insolvency in England and Wales. Covers administration, liquidation, company voluntary arrangements, receivership, bankruptcy, and individual voluntary arrangements.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
c. 70 · 1985
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 implies repairing obligations into short residential leases and regulates service charges in long leasehold properties. Section 11 implies a covenant by the landlord to keep in repair the structure, exterior, and installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and heating in leases of less than 7 years. The service charge provisions protect leaseholders from unreasonable charges.
Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985
c. 57 · 1985
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 regulates the sale and consumption of alcohol at designated sporting events in England & Wales, primarily football matches. Enacted in response to hooliganism, it creates criminal offences for possessing alcohol, being drunk, or possessing flares/fireworks at or en route to designated sports grounds.
Housing Act 1985
c. 68 · 1985
The Housing Act 1985 is the principal statute governing secure tenancies in the public sector (council housing) in England. It establishes the right to buy for secure tenants, sets out the grounds for possession, and provides for succession rights.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
c. 70 · 1985
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 implies repairing obligations into short residential leases, regulates service charges, and requires landlords to provide tenants with specified information.
Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985
c. 57 · 1985
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 prohibits alcohol at designated sporting events and on transport to such events. Enacted after football hooliganism incidents, it creates offences of possessing or being drunk at designated grounds and on coaches/trains.
Occupiers' Liability Act 1984
c. 3 · 1984
The Occupiers' Liability Act 1984 regulates the duty of care owed by occupiers of premises to persons other than lawful visitors — principally trespassers. It replaced the limited common law duty established in British Railways Board v Herrington [1972] with a statutory framework. The duty arises only if the occupier is aware of the danger (or has reasonable grounds to believe it exists), knows or has reasonable grounds to believe the trespasser is in the vicinity of the danger, and the risk is one against which the occupier may reasonably be expected to offer some protection.
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
c. 60 · 1984
PACE is the foundational statute governing police powers and the rights of suspects in England & Wales. It regulates stop and search, arrest, detention, investigation, and the admissibility of evidence. The Act is supplemented by detailed Codes of Practice (A–H) which police officers must follow.
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
c. 60 · 1984
The foundational statute governing police powers and the rights of suspects in England & Wales. Regulates stop and search, arrest, detention, questioning, identification procedures, and the admissibility of evidence. Supplemented by detailed Codes of Practice (Codes A-H).
Building Act 1984
c. 55 · 1984
The primary legislation governing building regulations in England and Wales. Provides the framework for building standards, building control, and enforcement of building regulations. Substantially amended by the Building Safety Act 2022.
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
c. 60 · 1984
The cornerstone statute governing police powers in England & Wales. Provides the framework for stop and search, arrest, detention, identification, and the interviewing of suspects, supplemented by eight Codes of Practice.
Mental Health Act 1983
c. 20 · 1983
The Mental Health Act 1983 provides the legal framework for the compulsory admission, detention, and treatment of persons with mental disorders in England & Wales. It balances the need to protect individuals and the public with safeguards for patients' rights.
Representation of the People Act 1983
c. 2 · 1983
The Representation of the People Act 1983 is the principal statute governing the conduct of parliamentary and local government elections in the UK. It deals with voter registration, the conduct of elections, election expenses, electoral offences, and the procedure for challenging election results by petition.
Mental Health Act 1983
c. 20 · 1983
The Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) is the principal legislation governing the compulsory detention and treatment of people with mental disorders in England and Wales. It sets out the criteria and procedures for admission to hospital, detention, community treatment orders, consent to treatment, and the role of the Mental Health Tribunal. It aims to balance the need to protect patients and the public with safeguarding individual rights.
Representation of the People Act 1983
c. 2 · 1983
The Representation of the People Act 1983 is the principal statute governing UK parliamentary and local elections. It sets out the franchise (who can vote), registration, conduct of elections, election offences, and the election petition process for challenging results. Substantially amended many times, it remains the foundation of electoral law.
Mental Health Act 1983
c. 20 · 1983
The principal statute governing the compulsory admission, detention, and treatment of people with mental disorders in England & Wales. Substantially amended by the Mental Health Act 2007, it provides for civil (Part II) and criminal (Part III) admission, consent to treatment (Part IV), Mental Health Tribunals, and community treatment orders.
Mental Health Act 1983
c. 20 · 1983
The principal statute governing the compulsory admission and treatment of people with mental disorders in England & Wales. Provides for assessment, detention, treatment, and discharge, with safeguards including Mental Health Tribunals.
Representation of the People Act 1983
c. 2 · 1983
The principal statute governing the conduct of parliamentary and local government elections in England & Wales. It covers the electoral register, the franchise, the conduct of elections, election expenses, electoral offences (personation, undue influence, bribery, treating), and election petitions. Extensively amended by subsequent legislation including the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and the Elections Act 2022.
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
c. 29 · 1982
The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 implies terms into contracts for the supply of goods (other than by sale or hire-purchase) and contracts for the supply of services. Part I implies terms about title, description, quality, fitness for purpose, and sample into contracts for the transfer of goods and hire contracts. Part II implies terms into contracts for the supply of services: that the supplier will carry out the service with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time, and for a reasonable charge. For consumer contracts, it has been largely superseded by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Civil Aviation Act 1982
c. 16 · 1982
The Civil Aviation Act 1982 provides the legislative framework for civil aviation in the UK. It establishes the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the aviation regulator, deals with aerodromes, and provides for regulation of air navigation. The Act works alongside retained EU aviation safety regulations and the Air Navigation Order 2016.
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
c. 29 · 1982
The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 implies terms into contracts for the supply of goods (other than sale) and services. For B2B contracts, it implies that services will be performed with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time, and for a reasonable charge.
Civil Aviation Act 1982
c. 16 · 1982
The principal statute governing civil aviation. Establishes the Civil Aviation Authority, regulates aircraft registration, air navigation, and provides for investigation of air accidents.
Civil Aviation Act 1982
c. 16 · 1982
The principal statute governing civil aviation in the UK. It establishes the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the aviation regulator, provides for the regulation of air navigation, aerodromes, and air transport licensing. The Act also deals with liability for damage caused by aircraft, investigation of accidents, and offences relating to aviation safety.
Contempt of Court Act 1981
c. 49 · 1981
The Contempt of Court Act 1981 governs strict liability contempt — publications that create a substantial risk of serious prejudice to active court proceedings. It balances the right to a fair trial against freedom of the press, setting out when media reporting may be restricted and providing defences for fair and accurate reporting.
British Nationality Act 1981
c. 61 · 1981
The British Nationality Act 1981 is the primary statute governing British citizenship. It replaced the concept of 'Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies' with several categories of British nationality, most importantly British citizenship. It sets out how citizenship is acquired (by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation) and the requirements for naturalisation including residence, good character, and knowledge of English.
Criminal Attempts Act 1981
c. 47 · 1981
This Act codifies the law of criminal attempts in England and Wales. A person is guilty of attempting to commit an offence if, with intent to commit it, they do an act that is more than merely preparatory to the commission of the offence. The Act replaced the common law on attempts and resolved uncertainty about how far the defendant's actions had to go beyond preparation. It also addresses the question of impossibility — a person may be guilty of attempt even if the full offence was factually impossible.
Senior Courts Act 1981
c. 54 · 1981
The Senior Courts Act 1981 (formerly Supreme Court Act 1981) establishes the constitution, jurisdiction, and powers of the Senior Courts of England and Wales — the Court of Appeal, High Court, and Crown Court.
Senior Courts Act 1981
c. 54 · 1981
The Senior Courts Act 1981 (originally the Supreme Court Act 1981, renamed in 2009) governs the constitution, jurisdiction, and administration of the Senior Courts of England & Wales — the Court of Appeal, the High Court, and the Crown Court. It establishes the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court and provides for prerogative remedies (judicial review), injunctions, and other court powers.
Senior Courts Act 1981
c. 54 · 1981
Establishes the Senior Courts of England and Wales (the Court of Appeal, the High Court, and the Crown Court). Section 31 governs applications for judicial review, including mandatory, prohibiting, and quashing orders.
British Nationality Act 1981
c. 61 · 1981
The primary legislation governing British nationality. Defines categories of British nationality (British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, etc.), sets out how citizenship is acquired (by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation), and provides for deprivation of citizenship.
Limitation Act 1980
c. 58 · 1980
The Limitation Act 1980 prescribes the time limits within which civil actions must be brought. After the limitation period expires, the claim becomes statute-barred and the defendant has a complete defence.
Highways Act 1980
c. 66 · 1980
The Highways Act 1980 consolidates the law relating to highways in England and Wales. It defines highway authority responsibilities, creation and stopping up of highways, maintenance duties, and offences relating to obstruction.
Magistrates' Courts Act 1980
c. 43 · 1980
The Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 governs the jurisdiction and procedure of magistrates' courts in England and Wales, including summary trial, committal proceedings, and sentencing powers.
Limitation Act 1980
c. 58 · 1980
The Limitation Act 1980 sets time limits within which civil claims must be brought. It prescribes different limitation periods for different types of action and provides for extensions in certain circumstances.
Sale of Goods Act 1979
c. 54 · 1979
The Sale of Goods Act 1979 is the principal statute governing contracts for the sale of goods in England & Wales. It implies terms into sale contracts regarding title, description, quality, fitness for purpose, and sale by sample. While significantly amended (notably by the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994) and partially superseded for consumer contracts by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, it remains central to business-to-business sales.
Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978
c. 47 · 1978
The Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978 allows a person liable for damage to recover a contribution from any other person liable for the same damage. It replaced the Law Reform (Married Women and Tortfeasors) Act 1935 provisions on contribution.
State Immunity Act 1978
c. 33 · 1978
Gives effect to the restrictive doctrine of state immunity, providing that foreign states are generally immune from UK court jurisdiction, subject to exceptions for commercial transactions, personal injury, and employment.
State Immunity Act 1978
c. 33 · 1978
Implements the restrictive doctrine of state immunity in UK law. Foreign states are generally immune from the jurisdiction of UK courts, subject to exceptions for commercial transactions, employment contracts, personal injury or damage to property, and other specified categories.
Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977
c. 50 · 1977
The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 (UCTA) regulates the extent to which liability for breach of contract or negligence can be excluded or restricted by contract terms or notices. Despite its name, it does not apply to all unfair terms — it specifically targets exclusion and limitation clauses. It renders certain exclusion clauses completely void (e.g., excluding liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence) and subjects others to a test of reasonableness. For consumer contracts, UCTA has been largely superseded by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, but it remains important for business-to-business contracts.
Patents Act 1977
c. 37 · 1977
The Patents Act 1977 is the principal legislation governing patents in the UK. It provides for the grant of patents by the Intellectual Property Office, defines patentable inventions, sets out the rights of patent holders, and establishes procedures for opposition, revocation, and licensing. The Act implemented the European Patent Convention in UK law.
Criminal Law Act 1977
c. 45 · 1977
This Act codified the law of criminal conspiracy in England and Wales, replacing the common law offence (except conspiracy to defraud, which was preserved). A person is guilty of conspiracy if they agree with one or more others to pursue a course of conduct that will necessarily amount to or involve the commission of an offence. The Act also reformed the law on criminal trespass, creating offences of using violence to secure entry to premises and adverse occupation of residential premises.
Bail Act 1976
c. 63 · 1976
Establishes a general right to bail for accused persons and sets out the grounds on which bail may be refused. Creates the offence of absconding (failing to surrender to custody). The Act creates a presumption in favour of bail, which can be rebutted by showing substantial grounds for believing the defendant would abscond, commit further offences, or interfere with witnesses.
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
c. 63 · 1975
This Act allows certain categories of people to apply to the court for reasonable financial provision from a deceased person's estate, whether the deceased died with or without a will. It tempers the principle of testamentary freedom by enabling the court to make orders where the will or intestacy rules do not make reasonable provision.
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
c. 63 · 1975
Allows certain categories of person to apply to court for reasonable financial provision from the estate of a deceased person where the will or intestacy rules do not make reasonable provision for them.
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
c. 63 · 1975
Allows certain categories of people to apply to the court for reasonable financial provision from a deceased person's estate where the will or intestacy rules do not make reasonable provision for them. Applicants include spouses, former spouses, children, cohabitants, and dependants. The court considers factors including the applicant's needs, the size of the estate, and the deceased's obligations.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
c. 37 · 1974
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain. It places general duties on employers, employees, and self-employed persons to ensure health, safety, and welfare at work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcement.
Consumer Credit Act 1974
c. 39 · 1974
The Consumer Credit Act 1974 regulates consumer credit and consumer hire agreements. It imposes requirements on the form and content of credit agreements, provides cancellation and early settlement rights, and establishes the connected lender liability principle in section 75 (making credit card companies jointly liable with suppliers for misrepresentation and breach of contract for purchases between £100 and £30,000).
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
c. 53 · 1974
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 allows criminal convictions to become 'spent' after a rehabilitation period, meaning the person is treated as if the offence never occurred. Once spent, convictions need not be disclosed in most employment, insurance, and civil proceedings contexts.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
c. 37 · 1974
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain. It places general duties on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their undertaking. It also created the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Health and Safety Commission.
Consumer Credit Act 1974
c. 39 · 1974
Regulates consumer credit and consumer hire agreements. Provides protections for borrowers including the right to withdraw, unfair relationship provisions (s.140A-C), and requirements for licensing of credit providers.
Matrimonial Causes Act 1973
c. 18 · 1973
The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 is the principal statute governing divorce and financial remedies on divorce in England & Wales. It sets out the sole ground for divorce (irretrievable breakdown), the financial orders the court can make (periodical payments, lump sums, property adjustment, pension sharing), and the factors the court must consider when exercising its discretion (the s.25 factors). The grounds for divorce were reformed by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which introduced no-fault divorce from April 2022.
Defective Premises Act 1972
c. 35 · 1972
This Act imposes a duty on persons who take on work for or in connection with the provision of a dwelling to see that the work is done in a workmanlike or professional manner, with proper materials, so that the dwelling will be fit for habitation when completed. The duty is owed to the person ordering the work and to every person who acquires an interest in the dwelling. The Act was significantly amended in 2022 to extend the limitation period for claims under it.
Local Government Act 1972
c. 70 · 1972
Established the current structure of local government in England and Wales (county, district, London boroughs, parish councils).
Defective Premises Act 1972
c. 35 · 1972
The Defective Premises Act 1972 imposes a statutory duty on persons taking on work in connection with the provision of a dwelling (including builders, developers, architects, and sub-contractors) to ensure that the work is done in a professional manner with proper materials so that the dwelling will be fit for habitation when completed. It provides a cause of action for owners and subsequent purchasers.
Local Government Act 1972
c. 70 · 1972
The foundational statute for local government in England and Wales. Establishes the structure of local authorities, their powers, duties, and procedures including meetings, committees, officers, and byelaw-making.
Local Government Act 1972
c. 70 · 1972
The foundational statute for the structure and governance of local government in England & Wales. Established the current system of county and district councils, defines council powers, and provides for byelaws, meetings, and officers.
Immigration Act 1971
c. 77 · 1971
The Immigration Act 1971 is the foundational statute governing immigration control in the United Kingdom. It establishes the framework of 'leave to enter' and 'leave to remain', provides for the making of Immigration Rules, and sets out powers of deportation and removal.
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971
c. 19 · 1971
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971 gives the force of law to the Hague-Visby Rules (an international convention governing the rights and obligations of carriers and shippers). It sets minimum standards of carrier liability for loss or damage to cargo, limits of liability, and the duties of the carrier regarding seaworthiness and care of cargo.
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
c. 38 · 1971
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is the principal legislation controlling dangerous or harmful drugs in the UK. It classifies controlled substances into Classes A, B, and C based on their perceived harmfulness, and creates offences for possession, possession with intent to supply, production, and supply. The classification determines the maximum penalties.
Criminal Damage Act 1971
c. 48 · 1971
The Criminal Damage Act 1971 consolidated and modernised the law relating to criminal damage and arson. It creates offences of destroying or damaging property, threatening to destroy or damage property, and possessing anything with intent to destroy or damage property. Arson (criminal damage by fire) carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Criminal Damage Act 1971
c. 48 · 1971
The Criminal Damage Act 1971 reformed the law of criminal damage, replacing the Malicious Damage Act 1861. It creates offences of destroying or damaging property, including aggravated criminal damage (endangering life) and arson.
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
c. 38 · 1971
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is the principal statute controlling dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs in the United Kingdom. It classifies controlled substances into three classes (A, B, and C) and creates criminal offences of possession, possession with intent to supply, production, and supply. The classification determines the maximum penalty: Class A drugs carry the heaviest sentences.
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
c. 38 · 1971
The principal statute controlling drugs in the UK. Classifies controlled drugs into Classes A, B, and C, creating offences of possession, possession with intent to supply, production, and supply. Penalties vary by classification.
Theft Act 1968
c. 60 · 1968
The Theft Act 1968 is the principal statute governing dishonesty offences in England & Wales. It replaced the complex and outdated Larceny Act 1916 with a modern, codified framework. The Act defines theft and related offences including robbery, burglary, handling stolen goods, fraud (now largely superseded by the Fraud Act 2006), and blackmail. Its definition of theft in section 1 — 'dishonestly appropriating property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it' — remains one of the most analysed provisions in English criminal law.
Firearms Act 1968
c. 27 · 1968
The Firearms Act 1968 is the principal statute controlling the possession, purchase, acquisition, and distribution of firearms and ammunition in the UK. It establishes a licensing system administered by the police and creates numerous criminal offences relating to unlawful possession and use of firearms.
Misrepresentation Act 1967
c. 7 · 1967
The Misrepresentation Act 1967 reformed the law relating to misrepresentation in contract formation. Before this Act, a party who had been induced to enter a contract by a misrepresentation had limited remedies unless the misrepresentation was fraudulent. The Act introduced a right to damages for negligent misrepresentation (s.2(1)) and gave courts discretion to award damages in lieu of rescission for non-fraudulent misrepresentation (s.2(2)). It also restricted the ability of parties to exclude liability for misrepresentation by contract (s.3).
Abortion Act 1967
c. 87 · 1967
The Abortion Act 1967 legalised abortion in England, Wales, and Scotland subject to specified conditions. It does not extend to Northern Ireland. Two registered medical practitioners must certify that the grounds for termination are met.
Nuclear Installations Act 1965
c. 57 · 1965
The Nuclear Installations Act 1965 provides the framework for the regulation of nuclear installations and nuclear liability in the UK. It requires operators of nuclear installations to hold a nuclear site licence from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). The Act imposes strict liability on the licensee for injury or damage caused by nuclear occurrences, implementing the UK's obligations under the Paris Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy.
Obscene Publications Act 1959
c. 66 · 1959
The Obscene Publications Act 1959 reformed the law of obscenity, replacing the Hicklin test with a new statutory test. An article is obscene if its effect, taken as a whole, tends to deprave and corrupt those likely to read, see, or hear it.
Occupiers' Liability Act 1957
c. 31 · 1957
The Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 imposes a common duty of care on occupiers of premises towards their lawful visitors. It replaced the complex common law distinctions between invitees and licensees with a single standard of care. The Act requires occupiers to take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that the visitor will be reasonably safe in using the premises for the purposes for which they are invited or permitted to be there.
Homicide Act 1957
c. 11 · 1957
The Homicide Act 1957 reformed the law of murder and manslaughter. It originally introduced the partial defences of diminished responsibility and provocation (reducing murder to voluntary manslaughter), and abolished the doctrine of constructive malice. The provocation defence was replaced by loss of control by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, but diminished responsibility remains (as amended).
Homicide Act 1957
c. 11 · 1957
The Homicide Act 1957 reformed the law of murder, introducing the partial defences of diminished responsibility and suicide pact, and restricting constructive malice. It originally abolished the death penalty for all but specified categories of murder.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
c. 56 · 1954
Part II of this Act provides security of tenure for business tenants in England and Wales. When a business tenancy expires, the tenant has the right to remain in occupation and to request a new tenancy on terms to be agreed or determined by the court. The landlord can only oppose renewal on specified statutory grounds (e.g., redevelopment, persistent delay in paying rent, or the landlord's own intention to occupy). The parties may agree to 'contract out' of the Act's protection, but only if specific statutory procedures are followed.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
c. 56 · 1954
Part II of this Act provides security of tenure for business tenants. At the end of a business lease, the tenant has the right to a new tenancy unless the landlord can establish one of the statutory grounds for opposition (e.g., persistent delay in rent, intention to demolish and reconstruct, own occupation). The Act sets out the procedure for lease renewal, including the court's power to determine the terms of the new tenancy.
Prison Act 1952
c. 52 · 1952
The primary legislation governing prisons in England and Wales. Provides for the establishment, management, and regulation of prisons and the treatment of prisoners. Enables the making of Prison Rules.
Law Reform (Contributory Negligence) Act 1945
c. 28 · 1945
Before this Act, contributory negligence by the claimant was a complete defence — if the claimant was partly at fault, they recovered nothing. The Act reformed this harsh rule by providing that where a person suffers damage partly as a result of their own fault and partly as a result of the fault of another, damages shall be reduced to the extent the court thinks just and equitable having regard to the claimant's share of responsibility. This apportionment approach is now fundamental to negligence litigation.
Law Reform (Contributory Negligence) Act 1945
c. 28 · 1945
The Law Reform (Contributory Negligence) Act 1945 abolished the common law rule that contributory negligence was a complete defence, replacing it with apportionment. Damages are reduced to the extent the court thinks just and equitable having regard to the claimant's share of responsibility.
Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1943
c. 40 · 1943
The Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1943 reformed the consequences of frustration of contracts. At common law (Chandler v Webster), money paid before frustration was irrecoverable. The Act allows recovery of money paid and a just sum for expenses incurred.
Law of Property Act 1925
c. 20 · 1925
The Law of Property Act 1925 is the cornerstone statute of English land law. Part of the great 1925 property legislation, it reduced the number of legal estates to two (freehold and leasehold), introduced the distinction between legal and equitable interests, reformed co-ownership (establishing the trust of land mechanism), and set out rules on contracts for the sale of land, formalities, and the creation and transfer of legal estates and interests.
Administration of Estates Act 1925
c. 23 · 1925
The Administration of Estates Act 1925 governs the administration of deceased persons' estates and sets out the intestacy rules that apply where a person dies without a valid will. It prescribes the order in which the estate is distributed to surviving relatives.
Administration of Estates Act 1925
c. 23 · 1925
Governs the administration of deceased persons' estates and provides the statutory rules for intestate succession (where a person dies without a valid will). The intestacy rules determine the order in which relatives inherit, with the surviving spouse/civil partner and children being the primary beneficiaries.
Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act 1919
c. 76 · 1919
The Enabling Act 1919 gave the Church of England's representative body (now the General Synod) power to prepare Measures having the force of Acts of Parliament. Measures receive Royal Assent after being approved by both Houses of Parliament. This gave the Church significant legislative autonomy within the established church framework.
Perjury Act 1911
c. 6 · 1911
The Perjury Act 1911 creates offences of perjury and related false statements. Perjury is committed when a person lawfully sworn as a witness or interpreter wilfully makes a statement material to the proceeding which they know to be false.
Marine Insurance Act 1906
c. 41 · 1906
The Marine Insurance Act 1906 codified the common law of marine insurance, largely based on the judgments of Lord Mansfield. It remains the foundation of marine insurance law worldwide and defines insurable interest, utmost good faith, warranties, and the measure of indemnity.
Marine Insurance Act 1906
c. 41 · 1906
The Marine Insurance Act 1906 codified the common law of marine insurance as it had developed over centuries, principally through Lloyd's of London. Although directed at marine risks, its principles — particularly the duty of utmost good faith (uberrimae fidei), insurable interest, warranties, and subrogation — historically governed all types of insurance contract until reformed by the Insurance Act 2015 and the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012.
Marine Insurance Act 1906
c. 41 · 1906
The Marine Insurance Act 1906 codified the common law of marine insurance, largely based on judgments of Lord Mansfield. It defines the essential elements of marine insurance contracts, warranties, insurable interest, disclosure duties, and claims. Partly amended by the Insurance Act 2015, it remains the foundation of marine insurance law globally, as many jurisdictions adopted its principles.
Partnership Act 1890
c. 39 · 1890
The Partnership Act 1890 provides the default legal framework for partnerships in England & Wales. It defines partnership, sets out the rights and duties of partners, and governs the dissolution of partnerships. Its provisions apply unless varied by agreement between the partners.
Partnership Act 1890
c. 39 · 1890
The Partnership Act 1890 codified the law of partnership. It defines partnership as the relation between persons carrying on a business in common with a view of profit, and sets out default rules for partners' rights, duties, and liabilities.
Bills of Exchange Act 1882
c. 61 · 1882
The Bills of Exchange Act 1882 codified the law relating to bills of exchange, cheques, and promissory notes. Though cheque usage has declined, the Act remains foundational for negotiable instruments law.
Offences Against the Person Act 1861
c. 100 · 1861
The Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (OAPA) is one of the oldest statutes still in regular use in English criminal law. It codified a range of non-fatal offences against the person including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (s.47), malicious wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm (s.20), and wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent (s.18). Despite its age and drafting criticisms, it remains the principal statute for charging non-fatal offences against the person.
Accessories and Abettors Act 1861
c. 94 · 1861
The Accessories and Abettors Act 1861 provides that anyone who aids, abets, counsels, or procures the commission of an indictable offence is liable to be tried and punished as a principal offender. Section 8 is one of the most cited provisions in criminal law.
Offences Against the Person Act 1861
c. 100 · 1861
The Offences Against the Person Act 1861 is the principal statute for non-fatal offences against the person. Despite calls for reform, it remains in force and creates the hierarchy of assault offences: common assault, ABH, wounding/GBH (s.20), and wounding/GBH with intent (s.18).
Burial Act 1857
c. 81 · 1857
Governs burial practices in England & Wales. Provides that no body may be removed from its burial place without a licence from the Secretary of State (now Ministry of Justice). Regulates burial grounds and prohibits certain burial practices.
Wills Act 1837
c. 26 (7 Will 4 & 1 Vict) · 1837
The Wills Act 1837 governs the formalities required for a valid will in England and Wales. It prescribes that a will must be in writing, signed by the testator (or at their direction), and attested by two witnesses. The Act also addresses revocation of wills, revival, and the effect of marriage and divorce on a will.
Wills Act 1837
c. 26 · 1837
The primary statute governing the formal requirements for making a valid will. Section 9 requires a will to be in writing, signed by the testator, and attested by two witnesses present at the same time.
Wills Act 1837
c. 26 · 1837
The foundational statute governing the formal requirements for making a valid will in England & Wales. Section 9 (as amended) requires that a will must be in writing, signed by the testator (or by some other person at the testator's direction and in their presence), and the signature must be made or acknowledged in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time, who each sign the will in the testator's presence.