Law reform (2) Flashcards
what are parliaments 2 jobs
- to make laws
- to reform laws
what are the 4 influences on parliament when they make/change laws?
- government ministers
- pressure groups
- certain events
- public options
Tell me about government policy/manifesto promises and their influence on parliament.
political parties make promises to change certain laws if they are elected
what is the example for government policy/manifesto promises
Human right act 1998
This fulfilled the labours party 1997 election manifesto/promise to ‘bring rights home’
Tell me about private members bills and the influence on parliament
An individual MPs ideas or proposals for a new law can result in it becoming an actual law if they get enough support behind their idea to parliament.
what is the example for private members bill
the abortion act 1967
the MP David Steel introduced the prospect for legalising abortion in the UK under a private Members bill. This was subsequently was passed as a law in 1967.
Tell me about pressure groups and lobbyist and their influence on parliament
a group of people campaigning for a particular cause. can pressurise parliament to change the law
lobbying is where members of the pubic approach and try to speak to MPs in the lobbies so they can try and persuade MPs to support their cause
what is the example of pressure groups
Royal College of Nursing
trade union that represent nurses in UK. Have campaigned for pay rises for their members.
tell me about public inquiries and their influence on parliament
usually established in response to a serious incident or event that has caused significant public concern.
govt launch an investigation into the area of public concern and can lead to a change in law.
what is the example of public inquiries
The cullen report
inquiry into the Dunblane Massacre. its findings led to the Firearms Amendment Act 1997
Tell me about emergency situations and their influence on parliment
parliment can respond to worldwide events by passing emergency legisaltion
what is the example of emergency situations
The Anti-Terrorism, Crime and security Act 2001
an emergency response to the terrorist attacks upon the world trade centre in 2001.
