separation of powers
The doctrine that the liberty of the individual is secure only if the three primary functions of the state (legislative, executive, and judicial) are exercised by distinct and independent organs. It was propounded by Montesquieu (De l’Esprit des lois, 1748), who regarded it as a feature of the UK constitution. In fact, however, while the judiciary is largely independent, the legislature and the executive depend on one another and their members overlap. The doctrine had a great influence over the form adopted for the constitution of the USA and many other countries.

• Standard Conditions of Sale
• standard-form contract
• standard investment criteria
• standard of proof
• stand down report
• standing committee
• standing mute
• stare decisis
• starter tenancy
• state
• statelessness
• statement of affairs
• statement of arrangement for children
• statement of case
• statement of claim
• Statement of Objections
• statement of reasons for dismissal
• statement of terms of employment
• statement of truth
• state of emergency
• state responsibility
• Stationery Office, The
• status
• statute
• statute-barred debt