Parliamentary law making

Question 1

Green papers

Answer 1

Green papers are issued by relevant ministers
Consultative document with proposals for law reform
Interested parties are invited to comment

Question 2

White papers

Answer 2

White papers are issued by the government, and state their firm proposals for reform

Question 3

The formal process - Introducing an act of parliament

Answer 3

1. Bills put forward by government and introduced to Parliament by relevant minister
2. Private members bills (Abortion Act 1967), ballot or (rarer) ten minute rule
3. Public bills involving matters of public policy
4. Private bills affecting individual people or corporations
5. Hybrid bills introduced by government, but affecting an organisation, person or place

Question 4

The formal process - commons debate

Answer 4

First reading
Second reading, main debate and informal or formal vote
Standing committee stage (whole house for financial bills)
Report stage
Third Reading and final vote

Question 5

The formal process - Lords review

Answer 5

First reading
Second reading, main debate and informal or formal vote
Standing committee stage (whole house for financial bills)
Report stage
Third Reading and final vote - Any amendments must pass back to Commons for approval = ‘ping pong’

Question 6

Advantages of parliamentary law making

Answer 6

Democratic (5 year elections)
Reform whole areas of law in one act
Delegated legislation can allow for finer detail
Consultations
Parliamentary supremacy

Question 7

Disadvantages of parliamentary law making

Answer 7

Parliament doesn’t always have time
Process can take long time
Very few Private members bills become law
Acts are long and complex