(Language + Law)² = ?

Legal texts provide a fascinating subject for the study of language. Th e study of two interconnected
legal systems and two conceptions of the term language (as a national or cultural
identifi er as well as one’s style of expression) brings a new dimension to this sphere
of research. Th e nature of the devolution settlement to Wales means that Wales is now
governed by a dual legal system—there has been a partial devolution of primary legislative
powers to the National Assembly for Wales but extensive legislative competence remains
with Westminster. Furthermore, the National Assembly for Wales has an obligation to
enact legislation bilingually, with both texts having equal standing. Th ere is therefore
a linguistic as well as a legal duality. In this article, the aim is to explain the issues and
challenges this situation creates, and to illustrate and evaluate the diff erences that exist
between Welsh Assembly Measures and Acts, and Acts of the Westminster Parliament.