Parlimentary Law Making Flashcards
Who proposes a Public bill
Proposed by the government
Who does a public affect?
Everyone in the country
Give an example of a public bill
Legal aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders act 2012
Reduced the availability of legal aid in England and wales
Who proposes a private bill
Proposed by a private business or organisation
Who does a private bill affect
That single organisation/area
Give an example of a private bill
Leeds city council act 2013
Act was introduced to give power to Leeds city council regarding street trading
Who proposes a private members bill
Proposed by 1 MP
Who does a private members bill affect?
Everyone in the country if passed
Give an example of a private members bill
Abortion act 1967
Sponsored by David Stel - legalised abortion to keep women safe
What are the two parts of the pre-legislative process
Green paper
White paper
What is the green paper stage
Consultation document where interested people can comment
What is the white paper stage
After feedback from green paper the amendments are done and the bill is ready to go to parliament
Firm proposal
Give the rider of parliamentary process
- First reading
- Second reading
- Committee stage
- Report stage
- Third reading
- Other house
- Royal assent
Explain first reading
Give the name of the bill and It’s main aims
Set a date for the second reading
Explain second reading
This is where the main debate occurs on the strengths and weaknesses of the bill
A vote at the end to decide if the bill can progress
Explain the committee stage
Smaller group of MP’s who will examine the bill clause by cluase
They can suggest changes
Around 16-50 MP’s
Explain report stage
Amendments suggested in the committee stage are reported back to the entire house and voted on
If no changes are suggested then this stage is skipped
Explain third reading
Check spelling, punctuation and grammar
Have a final vote
Explain other house
The bill will then go to the other house (lords/commons) and go through first reading to third reading again
What is parliamentary ping pong
What can the outcome be
Where the bill is being put back and forth through the 2 houses
This can go on for maximum a year
Once it exceeds this the final decision ultimately lies with the HoC as we elect them
Explain royal assent
Signed by the monarch
Then becomes law either from midnight or from a specified date
