AC1.1
Briefly describe two stages in the parliamentary (governmental) law-making process. (4)
-First Reading= Formal introduction in either House, when clerk reads name of bill but there’s no debate or discussion about its contents.
-Second Reading= First time bill debated + usually takes a whole sitting. MPs decide whether bill should pass to the next stage by taking a vote.
Briefly describe the judicial law-making process. (4)
-Made by judicial precedent + statutory interpretation.
-Judicial precedent= judges follow previous decisions made by higher courts in similar cases. If no precedent can make new precedent, for example in R v R.
-Statutory interpretation = judges must interpret words + phrases in Acts of Parliament. By applying interpretation rules such as literal rule, judges can clarify unclear legislation, effectively creating new law.
Describe the governmental (parliamentary) process for making laws such as the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. (6)
-Green paper= Consultative stage.
-White paper= Formal proposals are set out.
-A Bill enters Parliament - into either House of Commons or House of Lords.
-Several stages for Bill to pass through each House: First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage +Third Reading.
-Changes may be suggested several times + proposals are discussed in the other House, known as “ping-pong”.
-When both Houses have agreed + voted on the Bill, Royal Assent needed before proposals become Act of Parliament.
Identify one non-governmental (non-parliamentary) process of making law. (1)
- Statutory interpretation or Judicial precedent
Briefly describe the parliamentary (governmental) process of making laws. (4)
-A Bill is introduced into Parliament in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords.
-The Bill goes through several stages including First Reading, Second Reading +Committee Stage, where it’s debated + amended.
-The Bill then passes through the other House where it goes through the same stages.
-Once both Houses agree, Royal Assent is given + the Bill becomes law.
Identify four features of the parliamentary [governmental] law-making process. (4)
-Laws are made by Parliament, which consists of House of Commons, House of Lords +the monarch.
-A Bill is introduced into House of Commons or House of Lords.
-A Bill passes through several stages including First Reading, Second Reading + Committee Stage.
-Royal Assent required for Bill to become law.
Outline the process used by the government for making laws such as The Theft Act 1968. (3)
-Bill enters Parliament + proceeds through both House of Commons + House of Lords.
-Various stages involving debates + voting takes place e.g. First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage etc.
-Royal Assent given to enable the Bill to become law.