M2 Compare and contrast: The methods
of law making
How they make the law
Parliament-
1. An issue or problem emerges on the government's agenda
2. Ideas for addressing an issue are considered
3. Interested people and groups are consulted
4. Cabinet ministers must agree which proposals to take forward
5. Proposals are made into 'bills'
6. Parliament considers and scrutinises bills
7. Parliamentary stages
a. First reading
b. Second reading
c. Committee stage
d. Report stage
e. Third reading
8. A bill approved by one chamber is considered by the other
9. The Monarch's 'assent' turns a bill into an Act
Court-
1. Explain the facts of the case
2. Summarise the arguments from both sides
3. Reasons why the judge came to their decision.
Strengths
Parliament-
● Parliament is the supreme law making body, with law making being its primary role.
Therefore, it is the best resourced and equipped body to make law.
● Parliament can investigate a whole area of law (e.g. the Crimes Act 1958).
● Parliament can delegate its law-making powers to subordinate authorities, whom often
have the time and expertise to create law, and are more accessible to the public.
● Issues before parliament are publically aired and allow for public debate on issues. The
passage of a Bill is extensive, which aims to ensure that society’s views are debated and
represented clearly. This structure allows for government to fulfill its roles as
representative and responsible.
● Parliament can make laws in futuro (in anticipation of a future event)
Court-
of law making
How they make the law
Parliament-
1. An issue or problem emerges on the government's agenda
2. Ideas for addressing an issue are considered
3. Interested people and groups are consulted
4. Cabinet ministers must agree which proposals to take forward
5. Proposals are made into 'bills'
6. Parliament considers and scrutinises bills
7. Parliamentary stages
a. First reading
b. Second reading
c. Committee stage
d. Report stage
e. Third reading
8. A bill approved by one chamber is considered by the other
9. The Monarch's 'assent' turns a bill into an Act
Court-
1. Explain the facts of the case
2. Summarise the arguments from both sides
3. Reasons why the judge came to their decision.
Strengths
Parliament-
● Parliament is the supreme law making body, with law making being its primary role.
Therefore, it is the best resourced and equipped body to make law.
● Parliament can investigate a whole area of law (e.g. the Crimes Act 1958).
● Parliament can delegate its law-making powers to subordinate authorities, whom often
have the time and expertise to create law, and are more accessible to the public.
● Issues before parliament are publically aired and allow for public debate on issues. The
passage of a Bill is extensive, which aims to ensure that society’s views are debated and
represented clearly. This structure allows for government to fulfill its roles as
representative and responsible.
● Parliament can make laws in futuro (in anticipation of a future event)
Court-
