individuals influencing law reform

Question 1

how can individuals influence law reforms?

Answer 1

• petitions
• demonstrations
• the courts

Question 2

what is a petition? and what must a petition do?

Answer 2

it is a formal, written request to the government to take action or implement law reform.

a petition must:
- be addressed to the house where its being presented
- have a clear statement of the request
- keep to the word limit
- have the name, address and signiture of a supporter for the action
- be legible, no offensive language
- be an orginal document

Question 3

what are the strengths and weaknesses of petitions?

Answer 3

strengths:
- simple, inexpensive way for people to show their desire for a change in the law
- it can generate public awareness of an issue and support for the desired legislative change if a petition is made.

weaknesses:
- some people may sign a petition more than once which compromises the integrity of the petition
- there are many petitions and so there is no guarantee for the suggested law reform to be adopted

Question 4

what is a demonstration?

Answer 4

it is a gathering of people to protest their dissatisfaction with an existing law

e,g change the date movement

Question 5

what are strengths and weaknesses of a demonstration?

Answer 5

strengths:
- gain the support of members of parliament who want to adopt a cause to improve the public image
- demonstrations can attract free positive media attention which can make parliament consider law reform as it is strongly supported

weakenesses:
- can be difficult and time consumingto organise, it can be affected by location/weather
- can decrease support if it causes public inconvenience, negative media attention can also decrease the credibility of the demonstration

Question 6

what is the use of courts?

Answer 6

if an unclear point of law needs to be clarified then the creation of precedent can get the ball rolling about why and how a law needs to be amended.
the role of the courts can be limited because of abrogation, requirement for standing, cost and time of bringing a case to court

Question 7

what are the strengths and weaknesses of the use of the courts?

Answer 7

strengths:
- judges’ decisions and comments made in court can encourage parliament to change the law
- even if a court challenge is unsuccessful it can gain media attention which can generate community interest

weaknesses:
- judges must wait for a party to challenge parliament
- judges are unelected and their decisions and comments may not represent the views and values of society