AC1.1 Processes In Law Making Flashcards
What is a Bill?
A Bill is a proposed legislation under consideration by a legislature. It does not become law until it is passed by Parliament. It must also have the approval of both houses.
What are the the two main types of Bill?
Private Bill and Public Bill
What is an example of a private Bill?
Granting a named person citizenship or a smoking ban in a certain organisation
What are the two types of Public Bill?
Government Bills and Private Members’ Bill
What is a type of Private Bill?
Personal Bill
What is a Personal Bill?
Affects one or two people and will always begin in the House of Lords
What is a Private Bill?
Intended to affect one particular area or organisation
What is a Public Bill?
Intended to affect the public as a whole
What is a Government Bill?
Steered through Parliament by a minister from the appropriate government departament
What is a Private Members’ Bill?
Sponsored by an individual MP or a peer
Give an example of a Public Bill
The Dangerous Dogs Act
Give an example of a Government Bill
Rwanda Bill
Give an example of a Private Members’ Bill
Offenders Day of Release Bill
How does a Bill start?
Starts as a petition and becomes a green paper, then a white paper and finally a proposed Bill in Parliament.
What is the process for passing a Bill through Parliament?
Consultation Stage -> First Reading -> Second Reading -> Committee Stage -> Report Stage -> Third Reading -> Other House -> Royal Assent
What happens in the Consultation Stage?
The Government makes a draft of the Bill and asks senior officials to make comments
What happens in the First Reading?
The Government tells everyone about the Bill by reading out its title in the House of Commons or House of Lords
What happens in the Second Reading?
Main debating stage where all MPs or Lords can discuss the Bill, ask questions and vote on it. It can be voted out at this stage.
What happens in the Committee Stage?
A smaller group of MPs or many Lords look at the Bill in detail. They may make changes, called ‘amendments’, based on their discussions.
What happens in the Report Stage?
Amendments made during the Committee Stage are reported to everyone in either house. MPs or Lords may vote on these changes.
What happens in the Third Reading?
Overall consideration of the Bill in either House and final votes to decide whether it goes any further
What happens when the Bill goes to the other House?
The Bill goes to the other House, which may suggest amendments. If disagreements arise, it is sent back and forth in a process called ‘ping pong.’ After two rounds without agreement, the Commons can pass the law without the Lords’ approval.
What happens during Royal Assent?
The Monarch signs off on the Bill as a new law or an ‘Act of Parliament’
What is Judge made law called?
Common Law