The Unwritten Principles Project

The Unwritten Principles project, funded by Open Research Area (ORA), the phenomenon of unwritten constitutionalism from a comparative and inter-disciplinary perspective, focussing on three jurisdictions: Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

By comparing each country’s approach to unwritten constitutional norms and principles, the project's researchers will explore common issues faced by all constitutional orders, identify the factors that influence the recognition, definition and enforcement of unwritten constitutional rules, and investigate the role of judicial enforcement of a constitution’s unwritten rules in an era of democratic backsliding.

Vanessa MacDonnell from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, a key figure in the project, will be in the UK in October 2025. The HRPLC plans to co-host a presentation or lecture by Vanessa in collaboration with the project, inviting all members to attend. Stay updated on the UCNP project here.

This event is currently in its planning stage, and updates will be provided as developments occur.