| 释义 |
devolution
n. 1. The delegation by the central government to a regional authority of legislative or executive functions (or both) relating to domestic issues within the region. The word is most commonly used in the context of such functions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For example, the Scotland Act 1998 devolved power to the Scottish Parliament, enabling it to make certain Acts in some areas of policy. However, the UK Parliament reserved power to make laws for Scotland. The Government of Wales Act 1998 gave limited administrative powers to the Welsh Assembly, and further legislation gave the Assembly a legislative function. The Assembly changed its name to the Welsh Parliament in 2020. The Northern Ireland Act 1998 established an elected Northern Ireland Assembly with a power sharing executive and power was devolved in December 1999. However, the Northern Ireland Act 2000 enables power to revert to the UK Parliament, suspending the Northern Ireland Assembly until the Secretary of State makes a restoration order. Most recently, the Assembly was in a state of suspension from January 2017 to January 2020. See also Sewel Convention. 2. The passing of property from one owner to another, which may occur on death or sale, as a gift, by operation of law, or in any other way. |