Introduction

Constitutional values are an element of both codified and uncodified constitutions. Yet, in both types of constitution, there may be disagreement about what values are encompassed in the constitution and, indeed, what we mean by constitutional values and how these may be distinguished from constitutional principles. Nevertheless, constitutional values, principles and other norms provide the background against which constitutions are interpreted and will help determine which rights are protected. These norms may also constrain the power of those in power though recent events in the US, the UK and elsewhere have brought into question how effective they can be in doing this. Moreover, in both codified and uncodified constitutions, constitutional actors may manipulate constitutional values in order to achieve significant constitutional change, particularly in an unwritten, largely political constitution such as that of the UK’s.