Parliamentary Law Making Flashcards
What is a green paper?
Consultative document on a topic in which the government view is put forward with proposals with law reform.
What is a white paper?
A consultative document with more firm proposals for law reform.
Where are most of the acts of parliament made from?
The government
What is a bill?
When the proposed law has been drafted and is published.
What are government bills?
Where a bill is put forward by the government.
What are private members bills?
Individual (private) MPs or peers to introduce a bill. They are not government ministers and are known as backbenchers.
What are the two ways a backbencher can introduce a bill?
- There is a ballot each parliamentary session in which20 MPs are selected who can take turn in presenting the bill.
- Under a ten minute speech made by any MP supporting the introduction of the bill.
Give an example of a private members bill
WASTE RECYCLING ACT 2003
What are public bills?
Most bills are introduced into parliament involve matters of public policy which will affect the general public.
Give an example of a public bill
DIGITAL ECONOMY ACT 2017
What is private bill?
A bill that will affect only a specific individual or organisation like local authorities or private companies.
Give an example of a private bill?
LEEDS CITY COUNCIL ACT 2003
What is a hybrid bill?
They mix the characteristics of public and private bill. They are very rare.
How can a bill become a statute?
Pass through both houses common and lords
What is the first reading?
Where the name and main aims are introduced. No vote
What is the second reading?
The main debate on the principles of the bill followed by a vote.