Structure of an Act of Parliament

Question 1

Short Title

Answer 1

Short name given to an act. (More convenient way to refer to an Act. Will be in the statutory provision within the Act.

Question 2

Citation

Answer 2

Chapter Acts and Chapter numbers.

Question 3

Long Title

Answer 3

Long title is a description of the Act and is stated on the first page of the statute. it usually gives the purpose for the Act.

Question 4

Date of Royal Assent

Answer 4

The exact date that it received royal assent. usually after long title in brackets.

Question 5

Preamble/Enacting Formula

Answer 5

Short paragraph that comes after the main body of the statue. It often reads:

‘BE IT ENACTED by the King’s most Excellent…..’

Question 6

Part

Answer 6

Sometimes Acts are divided into parts.

Question 7

Section

Answer 7

Sections are individual provisions in an Act, sequentially numbered

Question 8

Marginal Notes/Explanatory Notes

Answer 8

Most Acts are accompanied by explanatory notes. They explain the purpose and effect of the Act.

Question 9

Subsection

Answer 9

Breakdown of further provisions into parts.

Question 10

Extent Provisions

Answer 10

Defines the situations in which a law applies.

Question 11

Enabling Provisions

Answer 11

When an Act’s provisions are deferred from being in force until the relevant minister procedures regulations giving the provision effect.