parliamentary law making Flashcards
private members bills
introduced by an MP who is not a government minister
Ballot
decides which MPs can present their chosen private members bill.
ten minute rule
allows any mp to make a speech for up to ten minutes which introduces a new bill
public bills
a bill introduced by government and it applies to the public at large
private bills
introduced and applies to an organisation
Pre legislative process
green paper
white paper
green paper
law reform consultation document created by the government when they wish to reform an area of law. its to allow both MPs and non MPs to give feedback on the governments proposed law reform
white paper
document created by the government that sets out the proposed law reform (outlines a firmer plan for government policy)
The legislative process
First reading
second reading
committee stage
report stage
third reading
repeat in HOL
royal assent
First reading
Name of bill read out in parliament. No discussion or vote on the bill
second reading
MPs debate the principles behind the bill and there is a verbal vote
committee stage
Between 15 and 20 MPs form a committee - line by line consideration of the bill
report stage
changes suggested by the committee are reported back to the house
third reading
final vote on the bill
HOL repeat
any changes = back to house of commons
royal assent
final stage, monarchs approval
6 advantages of parliamentary law making
1)democratic
2)laws can’t be challenged
3)reform whole areas of Law
4)pre legislation consultation
5)can set broad agenda and delegate details
6)lengthy and thorough process
4 disadvantages of parliamentary law making
1)time
2)private members bills
3)long and complex
4)amendment acts make law complex
what does parliamentary sovereignty mean
-parliament can make law on any subject matter
-no parliament can bind its successors
-no other body has the right to set aside an act of parliament
what are three limitations on parliamentary soverignty
-effect of the human rights act 1998
-devolution
-EU membership
Human rights act 1998
-all acts of parliament have to be compatible with it
devolution
Scottish can make laws on some matters without EU approval
political influence on parliament explanation
Political parties publish a manifesto
advantages of political influence
Democratic MPs are elected by the people of the UK
disadvantages of political influence on parliament
If a different party is elected they may disagree with previous government and change them this is inefficient
public opinion/media explanation
Government bend to public opinion and pressure from the media
public opinion/media advantage
parliament can reflect the will of the people
public opinion/media disadvantage
Government can respond too quickly leading to poorly drafted laws
Pressure groups explanation
created to pursue a particular interest or cause
pressure group advantage
raise important issues to parliaments attention
pressure group disadvantage
different groups promote different ideals
law reform bodies explained
Permanent panel of legal experts who research areas of law
advantage of law reform bodies
researched by experts
disadvantages of law reform bodies
lack of parliamentary time many proposals are not enacted
