Legislation Flashcards
Legislation
Law created by parliament
Also called statute or act of parliament
House of Commons
- Elected body of MPs
- Majority forms government
House of Lords
- Hereditary peers (number has been cut down)
- Life peers - people who have done good for society, charity or business
- Bishops
Monarch
Must give royal ascent to any piece of legislation
Private Bill - definition
Law affecting small groups of people
Private Bill - example
University of London Bill 2018
Private Members Bill - definition
Bill proposed by 1 single MP
Hard to do as little time given to present
Private Members Bill - example
Marriage act 1994
Public bill - definition
Law affecting large numbers of people (PUBLIC POLICY)
Public bill - example
Criminal attempts act 1981
The prelegislative process
Whitehall stage
For public bills only
Whitehall stage
1. Green paper
Name and aims of bill read out
No vote
Interested people invited to comment
Whitehall stage
2. White paper
Firm proposal that has been tweaked from feedback
The legislative process
All bills go through these stages
Usually start in HoC then go to HoL but can be vice versa
Legislative process
1. First reading
Name and aims of bill read out
No vote
Legislative process
2. Second reading
First major debate.
Vote taken - majority needed
Legislative process
3. Committee stage
Check bill clause by clause
Suggest amendments
Legislative process
4. Report stage
Committee report back and a vote taken on the changes
Legislative process
5. Third reading
Final vote, technicality.
Only changes are SPAG
Legislative process
6. Other chamber
Go through 1st to 3rd reading
HoL can suggest other amendments but because of Parliamentary Acts 1911 and 1949 HoC can override HoL
Legislative process
7. Royal assent
Monarch approves and signs off bill
Mere formality
When is new legislation introduced
Usually starts 1st of Jan in next year
If its urgent can pass at midnight the next day
