PLM 8m Flashcards
How does the creation of an Act begin?
Creation of an Act begins with a Bill. Firstly, there is a Green Paper which is a consultation phase setting out the aims of the Bill and inviting responses. This turns into a White Paper which is a firm proposal for a law. Bills then start in the House of Commons/Lords.
What is the first stage of the PLM process?
The ‘first reading’. This is a formality where the title is read to the house. The second stage is the ‘second reading’ where the minister introduces the Bill and explains the purpose, followed by a debate and vote. If this passes it goes to the ‘committee stage’ where 16-50 MPs examine each clause and find potential problems. These findings are debated and accepted/rejected followed by a final vote.
What happens if the final vote passes in the PLM process?
The Bill is sent to the second house where the process repeats (in the House of Lords the committee is the entire house not a few individuals). After the second house repeats the process and amends it, the Bill is passed back for more changes (this can lead to ‘Parliamentary ping pong’ where it is passed back and forth until they agree.
What is the last stage of the PLM process?
Finally, the Queen must give Royal Assent to turn a Bill into a Law. She only sees the short title when giving Assent and doesn’t even physically sign it.
List the influences to PLM
Political parties themselves (manifesto) Public opinion (Dangerous Dogs Act 1991) Pressure groups (Hunting Act 2004) Lobbyists Law Commission (Consumer Rights Act 2015)
What is the first influence to PLM
Political parties. Parties publish a manifesto setting out their aims which can influence the law that is made if they get voted in.
What is the second influence to PLM
Public opinion. When there is a strong public feeling on an issue then Parliament may make laws to deal with it. For example, the Dangerous Dogs Act was made in response to public outcry about children being injured by dogs.
What is the third influence to PLM (both types)
Pressure groups. Sectional pressure groups represent a particular group of society and their interests. For example, the Law Society represents lawyers’ interests. Cause pressure groups focus on causes rather than groups. For example, the League of Cruel Sports was against fox hunting and their opposition led to the Hunting Act.
What are the last influences to PLM
Lobbyists try to get MPs to support their causes. Pressure groups may also try to lobby MPs. Lobbyists can persuade MPs to ask a question in the HoC to give an issue publicity.
The Law Commission are an independent group of legal experts who find problems in law, conduct research and propose reform. For example, the Consumer Rights Act implemented many changes suggested by the Law Commission.
