The MacDermott Lecture 2024

The Rule of Law in a time of Democratic Decay
Consolidated democracies are often considered to be institutionally and normatively protected from the ‘classic’ indications of democratic backsliding like voter repression and erosion of judicial independence. However, these are not the only indicia of democratic decay. Focusing on sovereigntism, excessive reliance on delegation, and ‘anti-law’ rhetoric as exemplars, in this lecture de Londras argues that there are discernible indications within Westminster-based politics of democratic decay in the United Kingdom. Such decay has clear and significant implications for the Rule of Law. However, decay can also be arrested through clear and enacted recommitment to a constitutionalist mindset vis-à-vis both domestic and international law.
Fiona de Londras is the Barber Professor of Jurisprudence at Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham and Honorary Professor at the Australian National University College of Law.