Parliamentary Law Making and Law Reform: Influences Flashcards
iWhat are the 5 influences?
Political influences
Public opinion/media
Pressure groups
Lobbyists
Law Commission
What are political influences?
Influences that political parties have on Parliament
Before a law is passed, what must there be?
A vote in HOL and HOC
Before a general election, what do all political parties produce?
A manifesto
If become Parliament, they bring in reforms to meet the aims of their Parliament.
How does a party become government?
By gaining the most seats in the HOC
If the gov have a majority, can get almost any law through
What are some examples of political parties?
2019 Conservatives - ‘Get Brexit Done’
What happens if there’s a strong public opinion
Gov is likely to follow demand, especially if there’s a general election ahead
What role does the media play?
Brings public opinion to the gov’s attention as they let the gov know what the opinions are
What does high profile media attention to?
Adds weight to the public opinion as more people become aware of it and support their cause
What are some examples of public opinion/media?
Sarah Payne’s death led to the Child Sex Offenders Disclosure Scheme
Introduction of Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 restricts 4 types of dangerous dogs due to attacks on children
What are pressure groups?
Groups which have a particular interest and try to bring matters to the attention of the public and the gov, so the law will be changed
What are the different ways pressure groups can try and change the law?
Protest
Petition
Publicity stunts
Lobby MPs
What is an example of a law which changed through a pressure group?
Firearms Act 1997 after the Dunblane disaster from Snowdrop Campaign
What are the two pressure groups?
Sectional pressure groups
Cause pressure groups
What is a sectional pressure group?
Represents the interests of a particulat section of society
What is an example of a sectional pressure group?
The Law Society
What is a cause pressure group?
Promotes a particular cause
What is an example of a cause pressure group?
GreenPeace
What are lobbyists?
Where people try to persuade individual MPs to support their cause
Usually ask a qs in HOC so the issue gets publicity
What is an example of lobbying?
Sydney Silverman was successfully lobbied to abolish the death penalty
What is the Law Commission?
A full time reform body who work part time to suggest which laws need reviewing through repeal, consolidation or codification
Who is the LC led by?
Judges
What happens with the LC?
Lord Chancellor may refer the LC to areas of law they want them to research, LC will send their responses to Parliament
What is an example of the LC?
The Criminal Attempts Act 1981
