The Speaker’s Ruling on Afghan Detainee Documents: The Last Hurrah for Parliamentary Privilege?

Authors

  • Heather MacIvor Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Windsor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21991/C9FM2Z

Abstract

On 3 January 1642 the Commons sat, and claimed a breach of privilege which, deliberately or not, incited the king to attempt force. On 4 January [King Charles I] entered the Chamber, leaving the door open so that members could see the troops "making much of their pistols." ... He asked the Speaker if the five [rebel MPs] were present. Lenthall, on his knees, spoke. "May it please Your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see, nor tongue to speak in this place, but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose servant I am here; and I humbly beg Your Majesty’s pardon that I cannot give any other answer than this to what Your Majesty is pleased to demand of me."

Author Biography

Heather MacIvor, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Windsor

Downloads

Published

2018-11-06

Issue

Section

Articles