The Colonial Constitution in the Supreme Court

The Bancoult litigation before the Supreme Court continues a long-standing tradition of imperial courts not considering colonial abuses of power. The Bancoult cases show that when it comes to the colonial constitution, UK public law is still not able to provide redress and remedies for colonised peoples. It also shows a disinclination of domestic courts to consider the historical context of colonial wrongs. The Chagossians, claimants who wished to undo the wrong of being exiled from their homeland, did not have their claim dealt with in the round. The dispute was reduced to specific heads of claim which meant wider injustices could not be rectified.