... the strict definition of the term 'habit'. Dicey defines conventions as 'understandings, habits, or practices'2 which seems particularly ambiguous in that there are clear distinctions between these terms. Dicey eventually fastened upon the term 'conventions' to describe the non-legal elements of the constitution, without rejecting the other categories. Although Dicey's definition may initially appear to be describing conventions as mere habits, his placement of these non-legal rules in four categories implies that these rules transcend the boundaries of the term 'habit'. In 1885, Dicey gave examples of conventions which demonstrate the extent to which the system of government is dependent upon conventions3; * The royal assent must be given to any bill passed by the two houses of parliament before it can be formed into an act. * When Ministers cease to possess the confidence of the House of Commons, they must resign office. There is no statutory rule which exists to ...

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