Introduction to law in Wales
7 Summary of Welsh devolution
This course has provided an overview of background and information on law in Wales, the process of devolution and the law-making process in the Assembly. The approach taken to this overview has been from a legal rather than political viewpoint. Table 1 provides a summary of devolution.
Table 1 Summary of Welsh devolution
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 940 | Cyfraith Hywel Dda – Welsh laws are brought together under one code |
| 1282 | End of government by Welsh princes |
| 1536 | Act of Union 1536 |
| 1543 | Act of Union 1543 |
| 1881 | The first piece of law passed by the UK Parliament in relation to Wales: the Sunday Closing Act 1881 |
| 1907 | Welsh Department of the Board of Education created |
| 1920 | The church in Wales becomes an independent body separate from the state |
| 1951 | Post of Minister of State for Wales created |
| 1964 | Welsh Office and post of Secretary of State for Wales (a cabinet post) established |
| 1979 | Devolution rejected in referendum |
| 1997 | Referendum votes in favour of creating a National Assembly for Wales |
| 1999 | First elections held |
| Government of Wales Act 1998 comes into force | |
| 2007 | Government of Wales Act 2006 comes into force |
| National Assembly and Welsh Government are formally separated | |
| National Assembly gains powers to make laws in defined areas | |
| 2011 | Referendum votes in favour of giving the National Assembly further law-making powers |
Source: National Assembly for Wales, undated
OpenLearn - Introduction to law in Wales
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