Law reform

Question 1

Political influences

Answer 1

parties publish a manifesto, the public vote based on the manifesto, the party elected is a political influence

Question 2

media influence

Answer 2

• television, radio, internet sources etc
• ‘free press’ - government can be criticised
• media can influence public vote
• media can help campaigns

Question 3

Pressure groups

Answer 3

• Special interest in a cause or issue
• sectional: the law society
• cause: animal welfare groups
• campaign changes to the law

Question 4

Lobbying

Answer 4

• try to persuade MP’s
• writing messages, producing petitions and surveys
• usually takes many months or years but is effective

Question 5

Law commission

Answer 5

identify ideas for reform:
• research the area of law
• publish a consultation paper
• draw up proposals and reforms

Question 6

repealing old laws

Answer 6

the law commission can repeal old laws that are irrelevant

Question 7

consolidation

Answer 7

bring all smaller acts into one act to make it more accessible
(criminal justice act 2003)

Question 8

codification

Answer 8

• brings together all the law into one single law
• more understandable and consistent

Question 9

success in law commission

Answer 9

only 50% make it
The fraud act 2006 - simplified

Question 10

evaluation of political influence

Answer 10

adv:
• manifesto enable voters to know what they’re voting
• members of the HOL have expertise
dis:
• suggestions by HOL do not have to be implemented
• if a different party is elected to the past one, they might repeal all the laws made

Question 11

evaluation of media

Answer 11

adv:
• media can raise awareness
• public can use media to raise concern
dis:
• radio and television are required to remain neutral
• government may not act on public opinion

Question 12

evaluation of pressure groups

Answer 12

adv:
• members can be experts
• raise important issues
dis:
• seek to impose ideas with limited support
• some pressure groups have conflicting interests