Ministerial responsibility

Barry Hough

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

We have frequently referred to the doctrine of ministerial responsibility. This is a central principle of the constitution that defines both the relationships between ministers and Parliament and that between ministers and civil servants. It has two aspects which are not entirely consistent, namely collective and individual responsibility. 'Responsibility' is sometimes used interchangeably with 'accountability'. Both terms have a range of meanings. They include duties of at least the following kinds: explanation, information, acknowledgement, review, redress and punishment. The particular combination appropriate to any given case depends on the circumstances (see Barberis, 1998).
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeneral principles of constitutional and administrative law
EditorsJohn Alder
Place of PublicationBasingstoke
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages318-328
Number of pages11
Edition4th
ISBN (Print)0333971647
Publication statusPublished - 14 Jun 2002

Publication series

NamePalgrave Macmillan law masters
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan

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