Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway Co v Wauchope

Facts

A private Act affected the defendant's rights. He argued it was invalid because he had not been given notice of the Bill as the standing orders required.

Issue

Could a court examine whether Parliament had followed its own procedure?

Held

No. The courts look only at the Parliament roll, and cannot inquire into how the Act was passed.

Principle

The enrolled Act rule.

Why it matters

Confirmed by the House of Lords in British Railways Board v Pickin.

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