parliamentary privilege

parliamentary privilege
n [U]
(in Britain) certain special rights given to Members of Parliament, especially the right to say something in either of the Houses of Parliament(1) that attacks somebody else without the fear of being taken to a court of law by that person. The House of Lords has more such rights than the House of Commons. Both Houses can, however, punish their own members for ‘a breach of privilege’ (= unsatisfactory behaviour in Parliament, or behaviour that makes Parliament look bad to the public):

She was accused of hiding behind parliamentary privilege.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Parliamentary privilege — (also absolute privilege) is a legal immunity enjoyed by members of certain legislatures, in which legislators are granted protection against civil or criminal liability for actions done or statements made related to one s duties as a legislator …   Wikipedia

  • parliamentary privilege — Special rights or privileges enjoyed by members of parliament, such as freedom of speech (not subject to slander laws), and freedom from arrest except on a criminal charge ● privilege * * * ˌparliamentary ˈprivilege 7 [parliamentary privilege]… …   Useful english dictionary

  • parliamentary privilege —    An exception to the ordinary law of the land that refers to the immunity given to members of Parliament in order to enable them to conduct their work effectively. Determination of breach of privilege rests entirely with the House concerned,… …   Glossary of UK Government and Politics

  • parliamentary privilege — /paləˌmɛntri ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ/ (say pahluh.mentree privuhlij) noun the sum of the special rights enjoyed by each house of parliament collectively and by the members of each house individually, necessary for the discharge of the functions of parliament… …  

  • Parliamentary immunity — Parliamentary immunity, also known as legislative immunity, is a system in which members of the parliament or legislature are granted partial immunity from prosecution. Before prosecuting, it is necessary that the immunity be removed, usually by… …   Wikipedia

  • Privilege of Peerage — The Privilege of Peerage is the body of special privileges belonging to members of the British Peerage, and is distinct from Parliamentary privilege, which applies to only those peers serving in the House of Lords and the members of the House of… …   Wikipedia

  • Parliamentary debate — is an academic debate event. Most university level institutions in English speaking nations sponsor parliamentary debate teams, but the format is currently spreading to the high school level as well. Despite the name, the Parliamentary style is… …   Wikipedia

  • Privilege — Priv i*lege, n. [F. privil[ e]ge, L. privilegium an ordinance or law against or in favor of an individual; privus private + lex, legis, law. See {Private}, and {Legal}.] [1913 Webster] 1. A peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration — in the constitutional law of the UK, an officer who is charged with investigating complaints where officials are charged with having obeyed the law but have not acted in a proper administrative way, examples being bias, delay, perversity and… …   Law dictionary

  • privilege — A particular and peculiar benefit or advantage enjoyed by a person, company, or class, beyond the common advantages of other citizens. An exceptional or extraordinary power or exemption. A peculiar right, advantage, exemption, power, franchise,… …   Black's law dictionary

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