Is Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom above the law in her country?

Question

If Queen Elizabeth, or any reigning monarch, commits a crime in her country, can she be arrested and put in jail? Who would rule in her place?

Answer 1

I think she would be subject to due process and convicted, but could then pardon herself. Alternatively she could appeal to the law Lords and instruct them not to convict - and as they act on her behalf they would have to obey.

Answer 2

come on, nobody is above the law

Answer 3

She would go to jail unless she changed the law like Henry VIII and then became the law like he did!

But God forbid her bumbling son come on the Throne Charlie Boy and even worse Queen Camilla shudder..... the thought!!!!

Answer 4

No,she isn't,technically that is.

Answer 5

Britain is a democratic monarchy. If she commits a crime she is tried and if found guilty she would go to jail. I suspect her son Charles would be the regent while she was in jail.

Answer 6

No she is only a figuire head nothing else and is not above the law

Answer 7

Of course she can be put in jail.  IF she breaks the law.  But that would have to be proven according to the countries laws.  Look at what happened to the last king of France.  Tzars in Russia.  Shah of Iran.  All, basically, law issues.  (okay, plus the revolution aspect.)

With Britain, in this case, Charles would probably take over, and assuming a fairly long sentance, the Queen would quite possibly not come out.  She probably would not find herself in the same cell with a murderess from the other side of the tracks, but she would go to some sort of jail.

Answer 8

Nope. Even the Royal Family is subject to their own laws. In the past various royal family members have been convicted criminals. King Charles I in 1649 was convicted (and executed) for treason. And more recently, Princess Anne has had her brushes with the law.

Answer 9

Of course she can; monarchs are not above the law. If something were to happen to Elizabeth, William is next in line for the throne.

Answer 10

She is not above the laws but she makes the laws so I'm sure she has the power to get out of going to gaol. You should also note that all police officers and the armed forces swear allegiance to the Queen so we don't actually have anyone to arrest her.

What are you expecting the 82year old woman to do ? kill everyone who doesn't vote for her in Australia's referendum ?

Answer 11

In 1100, Henry I legitimised his rule by volunteering not to rule beyond the law. He ended up making laws to do what he wanted, but it was a fairly big step at the time to agree to wear a loose fitting straight jacket.

Over time, the straight jacket tightened. In 1215, the Barons made King John sign Magna Carta indicating that he (and by extension nobody else either) was above the law.

1649, Charles I was beheaded in a Revolution, for waging war on Parliament, refuting "the Divine Right of Kings" (Kings Rule by Divine Right).

1660, the Monarchy was restored after a rather unsuccessful experiment with Republicanism, and Charles II was invited to rule by Parliament.

1714, the Elector of Hanover was crowned George I. Even though he was about 50th in line to the British Throne, he was the highest ranked non-Cathoilic. The British Parliament demonstrated that it could have whoever it liked as King.

The Queen embodies the law, and judges are appointed by her (she approves the Prime Minister's candidate). One of the reasons she has a Senior Police Detective as her Close Protection detail, to follow her everywhere (and catch any bullets that come her way) is to ensure that she doesn't break the law.

I don't think she has enough privacy to plan anything really outrageous. She doesn't drive (Chauffeurs, a Motorcade, a Police escort) Her Personal body Guard comprise the Yeoman Warders of the Guard, five Infantry, and one Armoured Regiment (among others). She is an Internationally Protected Person by International Convention, meaning her Close Protection detail could get away with shooting dead anyone who looked at her funny.

What did you have in mind? Do you think a lady in her 80s is going to do a Bank job? I think they might recognise her from the banknotes, though she could knock over the branch of Coutts Bank thoughtfully set up inside Buckingham Palace for her convenience.

Or do you see her stealing the Crown Jewels? She is so wealthy, and the exceptions regarding the Crown are so extensive that she wouldn't break the law for Financial Crime because Parliament would start drafting legislation including all her legal exclusions from Financial Legislation (a lot of Legislation doesn't apply to the Royal Household, and this would be too sweet a deal to blow for shot term gain).

There are layers of people who take Monarchy seriously enough to break the law on her behalf if asked, but it would present a Constitutional Crisis if it happened.

Even if she did break the Criminal law, she would spend time at her own pleasure, in one of her own Prisons, which sounds quite cushy.

Answer 12

The kings and queens of england have not been above the law since 1215 when the Magna Carta was put into effect. However, in 1100 King Henry I voluntarily stated that his own powers did not exceed the law.  

Answer 13

It’s called “Constitutional Monarchy”. No one is above the law. If the society still has kings/queens, they’re subject to the same laws as everyone else.

The king/queens of England have NO power. They are just figure heads, decoration if you will. If anything, they are a drain on society (up keeping palaces, rich lifestyle, etc). England is ruled by a parliament.

Answer 14

Actually, yes, she is.  

Answer 15

Well, she has to pay taxes in England, so that should tell you she is subjecf to the law.  The problem with the royals is that they have been priviledged for so long that they don't consider themselves part of the common class and their wealth enables them to act that way.  My own feeling is that the monarchy is a total waste of millions and millions of dollars to preserve something that has long passed from our "needs list".  Let Willie, Harry, and the rest of them get a real job and see what it's like to work for a living instead of having someone pick up your shirts off the floor for you.  Just my 'umble opinion.  :-)

Answer 16

Why do I get the feeling that most of the British that answered this question don't know their own constitution that well.All justice in the The

UK,and other commonwealth realms,penalize and carry out justice in her name.So how can the queen be prosecutor as well as defendant ?You see,the queen has 'sovereign immunity' and rights to grant pardons.The age old statement 'The queen can do no wrong' is quite literal and pretty much sums it up.