How PI/Man, PO/Med, PG, Lob influence Law Reform Flashcards
What is Law Reform ?
official agencies that research and investigate areas of law that may need updating. Official agencies (Law Commission) suggest proposals for reform
What are the other influences to PLM ?
public opinion, media, pressure groups & lobbyists
‘political influences can be seen through party manifestos’ what is a party manifesto ?
written set of promises published in run up to gen. elect. by party & shows laws they will pass if they win
How are manifestos an influence on reform and examples ?
promises can become law many don’t 1984-2010 80% manifestos passed
Poll Tax by conserv. 1987 manifesto
Human RA 1988 labour ‘bring rights home’ 1997 manifesto
how can legislative agendas influence the government?
orgs. may seek advise on making policies to influence reform
gov. controls agenda in parl. so decides what laws put thru as most seats in HoC
How can the HoL delay or stop a bill ?
can stop if HoC invoke Parliament Act 1911&1949
Why is the legislative agendas being controlled by the gov. a big influence ?
already in centre of PLM not just an influence on parl. are parl.
What is a private members bill?
law passed by individ. MP on area they represent. 2 ways
ballot - 20 picked my ballot speak in HoC present bill
10 min rule - 10 mins 2 speak on issue and other MPs vote
What are some examples of PMBs that have been successful ?
David Steel - Abortion Act 1967
Sydney Silverman - Murder (abolition death penalty) Act 1968
How may public opinion incurrence gov. to change or create a law ?
protesting or contracting local MPs
occurs close to elections when gov. wants public to re-elect them
how can the media such as newspapers and social media play a role in bringing public opinion to the governments attention ?
can criticise gov. policy & informs public of issues, so if media wants to change law campaign on issue by bringing gov. attention
What cases show large public opinion & support the more likely it is to influence reform?
pit bull attack child - Dangerous 🐶 1991
Sarah payne death, led to ‘private sex offend. register’ (know whereabouts) 2000
Who are pressure groups ?
orgs. who try bring issues to attention of public & parl to influence change 2 law
What are the 2 types of pressure groups ?
sectional - of society try infl. laws that help them, larger, gov. consult before making law
law - solicitor interest, represent belief law to protect cause, no consult
What did RSPC, Farhers4justice, shelter campaign & stonewall do ?
camping for
animal welfare - Animals Act 2006
equal child access
campaign for homeless
gay rights, reduction of gay age of cons.
How can pressure groups influence law reform ?
protests, petitions, publicity stunts
persuade MPs & councils 2 get beliefs heard
can infl. backbench MP use PMBs
When have pressure groups stopped a law being passed to protect their interests ?
Legal Aid, Sentencing & Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 orgs. (Law Society), Bar Council (Barristors), campaign agains change 2 legal aid in crim.
What are Lobbyists ?
speak 2 MP in lobby, about topic & get law changed by getting them to bring up in court and get debate
What are the 2 types of lobbysists ?
profess. - employ by major PG & gov. 2 support cause & change/create law
local - can be 1 MP getting MP question in HoC & force debate
cancer research lloyd’s and greenpeace as well as stonewall used lobbyists to make changes in law how did geeenpeace ?
used microplastics in health products in uk in 2017
What did Stonewall do and what was one of its main successes (lobbyists) ?
created profess. lobbying groups prevent attacks on LGBTQ .
successful repeal of B( offensive law prevent “promotion” oh LGBT in schools)
