Act of Parliament | |
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Long title | An Act to give summary Protection to Persons employed in the Publication of Parliamentary Papers. |
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Citation | 3 & 4 Vict. c. 9 |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 14 April 1840 |
Status: Current legislation | |
Text of statute as originally enacted | |
Text of the Parliamentary Papers Act 1840 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. |
The Parliamentary Papers Act 1840 ( 3 & 4 Vict. c. 9) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act was passed in response to the case of Stockdale v Hansard where it was held that the House of Commons enjoyed no privilege as to publications under its authority circulated beyond Members of Parliament.
The Act provides that:
Publication for circulation among Members of Parliament is protected by absolute privilege under common law. [2] The Act received royal assent on 14 April 1840.
The Act is notable by being ex post facto – it changes the legal status of happenings before the Act was passed. As such, it is a precedent showing that Parliament has sovereignty over the past as well as the future.
Act of Parliament | |
![]() | |
Long title | An Act to give summary Protection to Persons employed in the Publication of Parliamentary Papers. |
---|---|
Citation | 3 & 4 Vict. c. 9 |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 14 April 1840 |
Status: Current legislation | |
Text of statute as originally enacted | |
Text of the Parliamentary Papers Act 1840 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. |
The Parliamentary Papers Act 1840 ( 3 & 4 Vict. c. 9) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act was passed in response to the case of Stockdale v Hansard where it was held that the House of Commons enjoyed no privilege as to publications under its authority circulated beyond Members of Parliament.
The Act provides that:
Publication for circulation among Members of Parliament is protected by absolute privilege under common law. [2] The Act received royal assent on 14 April 1840.
The Act is notable by being ex post facto – it changes the legal status of happenings before the Act was passed. As such, it is a precedent showing that Parliament has sovereignty over the past as well as the future.