Influences On Parliament

Question 1

Government Policy

Answer 1

Each party has its own manifesto, used to encourage members of the public to vote for them.

Question 2

European Union law

Answer 2

An act of parliament, may be passed through the House of Commons and House of Lords to bring domestic law in line with EU law.

Question 3

Individual members of parliament (MP’s)

Answer 3

Your local MP will attend Parliament and is your voice. Although it is unusual for an MP to introduce an act of parliament, they can do so.

Question 4

Other influence

Answer 4

Law reform agencies, commissions or inquires may lead to changes in the law.

Question 5

Pressure groups

Answer 5

Members of these groups target politicians and lobby MP’s on points they are passionate about

Question 6

Media

Answer 6

TV, radio, newspapers and journals highlight public concern

Question 7

Reform bodies and commissions

Answer 7

The law revision committee was set up in 1935 and operated until the Second World War. In 1965 a full time law reform body was set up, called the law commission.

Question 8

What was the Law reform committee ?

Answer 8

A part time committee which was created in 1952 to deal with some areas of civil law.
Examples of how proposals have led to changes in law including the occupiers liability act 1957, civil evidence act 1968 and the latent damage act 1986.

Question 9

What is the The law commission?

Answer 9

Researches the law and publishers a consultation paper which will state the current law, the problems with it and proposals to reform.