Paper 2.5 - Influences on Parliament and Law Reform

Question 1

What is law reform and what is the reason for it?

Answer 1

Law reform is the process by which Parliament update their laws. This is done so that our laws fit well with modern times, ie technological and societal advancements).

Question 2

Name four influences on Parliament.

Answer 2

Political influence (through the parties).
Public opinion and the media.
Pressure groups.
Lobbyists.

Question 3

What are the two ways the political parties can influence Parliament?

Answer 3

Through their manifesto and the King’s Speech.

Question 4

How can a party’s manifesto influence Parliament?

Answer 4

It announces the intentions of each party if they are to get a majority in the House of Commons; this means that the manifestos tell us what each party is aiming for.

Question 5

Name two pros and two cons of a party’s manifesto.

Answer 5

Pros - Public are more aware of who they are voting for; high chance that winning manifesto becomes law.
Cons - isn’t binding, gov’s only goal is to get voted in; unforeseen circumstances (eg COVID).

Question 6

How can the King’s Speech influence Parliament?

Answer 6

It announces the intentions of the government at the beginning of each Parliamentary session; this means that the public is aware of what laws are likely to be passed over the next year.

Question 7

Name two pros and two cons of the King’s Speech.

Answer 7

Pros - Accountability for failing to meet manifesto; any bills are going to be heavily scrutinised.
Cons - if gov has a big majority, unpopular laws can pass regardless; new govs can repeal Acts.

Question 8

How can public opinion and the media influence Parliament?

Answer 8

Strong public opinions can lead to governments wanting to remain popular for re-election and therefore change in law.

Question 9

Name two examples of media influencing Parliament.

Answer 9

Natasha’s law (food allergy labels)
Helen’s law (keeping murderers if they refuse to disclose body location)
Clare’s law (ask police for a check on potential partners)
Guns laws
Revenge porn.
2009 expense reports.

Question 10

Name four advantages to media pressure in Parliament.

Answer 10

Public have a say in law-making.
Easier than lobbying.
Allows government to be scrutinised.
Freedom of expression.

Question 11

Name four disadvantages to media pressure in Parliament.

Answer 11

Can cause panic.
Media is not always impartial.
Gov may overreact and draft a poor law eg Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Can spread misinformation.

Question 12

What is a pressure group and how can they influence Parliament?

Answer 12

A group that has a particular interest in a cause, advocating for legal change; hosting rallies and events in order to raise awareness for their cause.

Question 13

What are the two types of pressure groups? Describe them.

Answer 13

Sectional - members are from a specific section of society eg Trade Unions.
Causal - members are from all across society eg Amnesty.

Question 14

Name two examples of pressure groups and their causes.

Answer 14

Amnesty (Human Rights)
British Medical Association (Medicine)
Trade Unions (Labour conditions)

Question 15

Name four advantages of pressure groups.

Answer 15

Anyone can join.
Gives minority a voice.
Raises awareness of all issues.
Educates the public on these issues.

Question 16

Name four disadvantages of pressure groups.

Answer 16

May act illegally (eg freeing animals from zoos).
Biased in favour of their own issues.
Insider pressure groups overpower small groups.
Views might be minority for good reason (eg EDL).

Question 17

What is a lobbyist?

Answer 17

A person meets / contacts an MP in order to try and persuade them of a cause and ask questions in Parliament.

Question 18

Who has permission to lobby an MP?

Answer 18

Everyone.

Question 19

Name four advantages of lobbying.

Answer 19

People have a direct effect on what happens in Parliament.
Upholds free speech, by allowing people to question MPs.
Can bring attention to a major issue.
Professional lobbyists are specialists and are effective at lobbying.

Question 20

Name four disadvantages to lobbying.

Answer 20

MPs don’t have to listen to lobbyists at all.
Lobbyists base their need on their own and not the people.
Big businesses have more influence when lobbying.
Some people don’t know it exists.

Question 21

When was the Law Commission set up and through what Acts do they get their power?

Answer 21

1965; Law Commission Acts 1965 and 2009.

Question 22

What does the Law Commission do? (4)

Answer 22

Consider areas of the law to reform and create proposals.
Repeal old Acts.
Consolidate existing provisions into Acts.
Codify existing Acts and precedent into codes.

Question 23

What is the process for any given Law Commission procedure?

Answer 23

Referral: Lord Chancellor may pick a subject or LC may choose it themselves.
Research: LC researches law and creates consultation papers seeking opinions.
Consultation: Experts decide on their recommended action for the law in need of reform.
Proposal: LC publishes a report and a draft Bill for Parliament to discuss.

Question 24

Name one example of an Act the Law Commission has helped pass.

Answer 24

Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007.

Question 25

Name three advantages of the Law Commission.

Answer 25

Accurate - legal experts.
Neutral.
Reliable - history of success.

Question 26

Name three disadvantages of the Law Commission.

Answer 26

Slow - up to 6 months for a report.
Heavy workload - 20 + reports ongoing.
Money spent on areas of law that won’t be changed.