Parliamentary Law Making - Process of Legislation Flashcards
What is the first stage of a bill in Parliament?
Green Paper
What happens in the White Paper stage?
Person proposing the bill must discuss groups who will be affected by it.
What happens during the First Reading?
Name and Short Title are read out,
this is now a formality
What happens during the Second Reading?
Main Debate.
A majority vote is required at the end of the debate in order for the bill to progress
What happens during the committee stage?
MPs go through the bill clause by clause to check technicalities
What happens during the report stage?
Committees suggest any amendments to the whole house and members vote on amendments.
What is the Third Reading?
The last main debate. May be more amendments before bill goes to other house
In what stage does the bill go between the two houses?
Ping Pong
What is Royal Assent?
Monarch signs the bill into law.
They only get the short title and purpose of the bill.
What is Commencement?
When the Act comes into force.
Midnight on the day has received royal assent unless otherwise specified in the bill.
Give 3 advantages of the Parliamentary Law Making process.
1) People whom the Act will effect are consulted
2) Committee stage makes technical errors less likely which increases certainty
3) All acts since 1997 are accompanied by explanatory notes
Give 3 disadvantages of the Parliamentary Law Making process.
1) Parliament to not have to take the advice of consultations
2) Amendments suggested at the committee stage could be voted against
3) Much of used legislation was passed pre 1997 so lacks explanatory notes
