Brief review of the Law & Political system of the United kingdom A. Basis & History 3 legal systems in the UK English Law Northern Irish Law Scots Law England & Wales Northern Ireland Scotland Key facts & dates, political background Treaty of Union in 1707 : England & Wales + Scotland = Great Britain Political union guaranteeing the continued existence of Scotland's separate legal system. Principle of → devolution : Political union - but also with separate bodies e.g. : Scottish Parliament / Scottish political parties / Bank of Scotland / Scottish First Minister (currently Nicola Sturgeon)) → increased devolution post latest referendum on independence (Sept 2014) Treaty of Union in 1800 : Great Britain + Northern Ireland = the UK Political union that also preserved the principle of separate courts to be held in Ireland, of which the part called Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom