AC 1.1

Question 1

What is common law?

Answer 1

Common law is built on precedents created by judges

Question 2

What is Statute law?

Answer 2

Statute law is created by parliament in which judges must follow

Question 3

What are the three main parts within law decision making?

Answer 3

The Monarch – The role of the monarchy in law making is to give the royal assent – their agreement to the new law.

The House of Lords- House lords are known as peers- there are around 800 peers – there role is to act as a double check on new laws.
The House of Commons- this is made up of elected representatives of the people, this includes 650 members of parliament (MPS) each MP has become elected at general elections to represent a geographical area.

Question 4

What are the green and white papers?

Answer 4

Green paper– initial report to provoke public discussion- includes questions of interest

White paper- after the discussion it includes findings and detailed plans for the legislations (draft version)

Question 5

Name and explain stages of a bill

Answer 5

First reading- Aims of the bill, formal vote taken
Second reading- Main debate followed by another vote
Committee stage- Chosen group of representatives look closely at the bill and suggest amendments
Report stage- Committee report back to the full house
Third reading- Final vote
House of lords- All stages repeated by the house of lords
Royal assent- Monarch signs the bill

Question 6

Examples of criminal statutes

Answer 6

The Criminal Justice Act (2003)- Change in double jeopardy law
The Crime (sentences) Act (1997)- Mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders
Dangerous Dogs Act (1991)- Mass moral panic, most dog attacks weren't committed by the banned breeds