CHANGES IN JUDICIAL REVIEW: AN OUTSIDER'S REFLECTIONS

Public Administration has asked me to comment on the articles discussing recent developments in judicial review contained in this special issue. This is a most generous invitation, for which I would like to thank the editors, in particular Professor Michael Lee. This is a daunting task too. Before I attempt it, I wish to say that the following are the comments of an outside and foreign observer who had recently the opportunity to study the English legal system.
I propose to consider the questions raised in three parts; firstly, the manner in which the recent reforms have been introduced and their likely consequences; secondly, the practical effects of judicial review on the administration; and thirdly, the cultural, social and political factors that influence the shape and role of administrative law.