Erskine May

Erskine May is a foundational treatise on parliamentary procedure written by Thomas Erskine May, a renowned expert in the field, and first published in 1844 by Butterworths. The work is considered a seminal guide to the rules and practices of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, drawing on the expertise of Walter Bagehot, A. V. Dicey, and Robert Lowe. It has been widely influential, shaping the development of parliamentary systems in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and has been cited by judges and politicians including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, and Clement Attlee.

● Introduction

The significance of Erskine May lies in its comprehensive and authoritative coverage of parliamentary procedure, which has been adopted by legislatures around the world, including the United States Congress, the European Parliament, and the Parliament of India. The work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, drawing on the expertise of constitutional scholars such as Albert Venn Dicey and Ivor Jennings, and its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and rule of law. As noted by Harold Laski, Erskine May has played a crucial role in shaping the development of parliamentary democracy in countries such as South Africa, India, and Pakistan. The work has also been influential in the development of international law, with references to Treaty of Versailles, League of Nations, and United Nations.

● Biography

Thomas Erskine May was born in 1815 in Highgate, London, and educated at Bedford School and Christ Church, Oxford. He was a fellow of the Royal Society and a member of the Atheneum Club, and was acquainted with prominent figures such as Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, and Anthony Trollope. May's interest in parliamentary procedure was sparked by his work as a clerk in the House of Commons, where he served under Speakers such as Charles Manners-Sutton and James Abercromby. He was also influenced by the writings of Edmund Burke, John Stuart Mill, and Walter Bagehot, and was a strong advocate for parliamentary reform and the extension of franchise.

● Parliamentary Career

May's career in the House of Commons spanned over three decades, during which he served as a clerk and later as Clerk of the House of Commons. He was a key figure in the development of parliamentary procedure, and his expertise was sought by politicians such as Benjamin Disraeli, William Gladstone, and Lord Salisbury. May was also a member of the Reform Act, which led to significant changes in the electoral system of the United Kingdom. His work on parliamentary procedure was influenced by the writings of Jeremy Bentham, John Austin, and A. V. Dicey, and he was a strong advocate for the principles of democracy and rule of law.

● Erskine May's Parliamentary Practice

The first edition of Erskine May's Parliamentary Practice was published in 1844, and it quickly became a standard reference work for parliamentarians and constitutional scholars. The book is characterized by its comprehensive coverage of parliamentary procedure, including the rules and practices of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It has been widely praised for its clarity and authority, and has been cited by judges and politicians including Lord Denning, Lord Diplock, and Margaret Thatcher. The work has also been influential in the development of parliamentary systems in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and has been translated into several languages, including French and German.

● Legacy

The legacy of Erskine May is profound, with his work continuing to shape the development of parliamentary systems around the world. The book has been widely adopted by legislatures and constitutional courts, and has been cited in numerous judicial decisions, including those of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, the High Court of Australia, and the Supreme Court of Canada. As noted by Vernon Bogdanor, Erskine May has played a crucial role in upholding the principles of democracy and rule of law, and his work continues to be an essential reference for politicians, judges, and constitutional scholars. The work has also been influential in the development of international law, with references to Treaty of Rome, European Convention on Human Rights, and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

● Editions and Updates

The first edition of Erskine May's Parliamentary Practice was published in 1844, and it has since undergone numerous revisions and updates. The book is currently in its 25th edition, which was published in 2019 by Butterworths. The work has been edited by a number of prominent constitutional scholars, including Sir Courtenay Ilbert and Sir David Lidington. The book continues to be an essential reference for parliamentarians and constitutional scholars, and its influence can be seen in the development of parliamentary systems around the world, including those of United States, Germany, and France. The work has also been influential in the development of international organizations, such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations. Category:Parliamentary procedure