In these moments, too, it became clear that devolved government means something entirely different when viewed through the Westminster lens.
Releasing him in these circumstances showed the world that devolved Scotland is an enlightened nation not wedded to vengeance.
Judgment is expected early next week.The case turns on conflicting interpretations of the act that devolved power to London's mayor and assembly.
While unions have been pushing for a fully renationalised rail sector, she said that devolved powers would restrict the SNP to this limited, but significant step.
It was made worse by a structure that devolved authority to 84 separately incorporated national units, and by an absence of a clear role for Joseph Berardino, who resigned as chief executive of Andersen Worldwide last month.
Abbado's collegial, anti-dictatorial style could hardly have been more different from Karajan's and some of the musicians resented the responsibility that devolved on to them; the critics likewise took some time to adapt.
When the newly elected county government took office in 2013 – thanks to a new constitution that devolved power to the regions – the town, officials said, was largely in al-Shabaab hands.
Several of the administrative divisions established constitutions that devolved power to local jurisdictions, and, though the 1993 constitution guaranteed local self-governance, the powers of local governments vary considerably.
A government that devolved national power by creating regional legislatures is now being portrayed as distant and arrogant, and a prime minister who was thought to be a master of communication and contact is now pictured as tone deaf and out of touch.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government promoted Leslie Evans from within to replace Sir Peter Housden as permanent secretary: was this vote of confidence in existing staff also a sign that devolved government is becoming genuinely autonomous and the UK civil service is no more?
Similarly fierce battles are taking place for a handful of key state governor races, with both parties acutely aware that devolved federal powers puts candidates such as Scott Walker in Wisconsin on the frontline of the some of biggest political decisions.
