Loading article…
A declaration of incompatibility in UK constitutional law is a declaration issued by a United Kingdom judge that a statute is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights under the Human Rights Act 1998 section 4. This is a central part of UK constitutional law. Very few declarations of incompatibility have been issued, in comparison to the number of challenges.
Section 3(1) of the Human Rights Act 1998 reads as follows: "So far as it is possible to do so, primary legislation and subordinate legislation must be read and given effect in a way which is compatible with the Convention rights". Where the court determines a piece of legislation is inconsistent with the Convention rights, the court can issue a declaration of incompatibility under section 4 of the Human Rights Act 1998.[1] However, the declaration of incompatibility is often seen as a last resort as the judiciary will attempt to interpret primary legislation as being compatible. Such a declaration will only be issued if such a reading is not possible.[2]
Once the court has issued a declaration of incompatibility, the law remains the same until Parliament removes the incompatibility.[3] The courts must still apply the legislation as it is and the parties to the actual case are unaffected by the declaration. Hence, the declaration has no actual legal effect and the parties neither gain nor lose by it. A declaration of incompatibility is only the start of a remedy to a Human Rights Act 1998 claim. Section 8 of the Act enables the court to make any further remedy it sees fit.
In England and Wales, the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, and the Courts Martial Appeal Court can issue declarations of incompatibility. In Scotland, in addition to the Supreme Court, the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary are also able to issue declarations of incompatibility.[4] In Northern Ireland, the Northern Irish High Court or Court of Appeal can issue a statement of incompatibility for Acts of the Northern Irish Assembly.[5]
1998年人権法第10条により、政府大臣は、不適合と宣言された法令（イングランド国教会の措置を除く）を改正するために、救済命令（一種の法令）の「迅速処理」オプションを使用できる。大臣が緊急であると判断した場合を除き、命令は発令前に両院の承認を得なければならない。 2016年現在、このオプションは2回使用されており、2001年に1983年精神保健法、2009年に2003年性犯罪法に適用された。
2025年7月末時点で、63件の不適合宣言が出されていた。そのうち13件は控訴審で覆された。[ 6 ]
以下の事例は、不適合宣言が控訴審で覆されたケースである。
2025年3月現在、控訴中の案件はありません。
以下の事例は、裁判所が法令の不適合性を認めたものの、正式な不適合宣言を行わなかったケースである。