AOS 1 EXAM QUESTIONS PART 2 Flashcards
4 marks Explain two ways other than demonstrations in which individuals and groups can attempt to influence change in the law.
A written statement calling on parliament to change a law and listing the signatures of those in support of the petition. The petition is presented by a member of parliament to parliament. The petition and the number of signatures are recorded in Hansard. Petitions are easy to organise and provide for a peaceful means to influence change. A petition can draw parliament’s attention to an issue. However, once a petition has been presented there is no guarantee that parliament will take any further action. The number of signatures indicating support for the petition may influence members of parliament.
Legal change can also be influenced via the media including: Newspapers, Radio, Television, The Internet and Social networking platforms i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. In using these platforms, individuals and groups who seek to influence legal change can capitalize on the scope of social networking, allowing them to reach people that they otherwise would not be able to. The use of the media can create public awareness of an issue and increase support. By using the media, individuals and groups can demonstrate public support for their view.
Evaluate the effectiveness of petitions
One method used by individuals to influence change is petitions. This involves the signing of the individual’s name (and address) for proposed law change. The petition is then handed to a member of parliament who must table the petition in parliament. Petitions could be effective if there is a large number of people who sign it and involves an area of law that has been discussed as requiring reform, therefore showing politicians there is a majority support for a law change. However, petitions may not be a good method because people may not sign the petition, therefore reducing the effect of the petition. If the petition is about an area that is not a current focus for law reform, it may be ignored. Overall, petitions can be useful in demonstrating strong people support for law reform, but it is not always effective, particularly if not a lot of people sign it.
The Victorian Parliament is debating a bill following a review of the law by the VLRC. Identify and describe the stage of the legislative process at which this bill will be debated for the first time.
The second reading stage is where the Member of Parliament responsible for the Bill presents a speech outlining the purpose and broad objectives of the Bill. The explanatory memorandum to the Bill is presented and the member will state whether the Bill complies with the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. The Bill is then examined by members of parliament before it is debated and then voted on.
Explain the role of the VLRC in recommending a change in the law.
The VLRC is an independent, government-funded body which plays a crucial role in law reform. The VLRC is able to examine and consider law reform when it has received terms of reference from the Attorney-General, and for areas of law which are considered to be relatively minor and of concern to the community. DEFINITION AND RECEIVED
The VLRC can also ask the Attorney-General to provide it with terms of reference for a particular issue. REQUEST
When considering law reform, the VLRC will consult with the community and experts on that area of law, and will produce a report with recommendations for law reform. The report will then be tabled in parliament. Parliament is not bound to follow any of the recommendations. METHOD AND RESULTS
Using an example, explain how individuals or groups may use the media to influence legislative change
Individuals or groups may use the media to bring an issue out in the public domain and have members of the community discussing the issue and putting pressure on their parliamentarians to make a change in the law. For example, the pressure group GetUp! uses a range of media such as advertisements, websites, twitter and Facebook to raise awareness of issues, encourage community members to sign petitions and communicate with parliamentarians.
