Influences on Parliament

Law commission-

Was set up in 1965.
Independent body’s review an area of law in need of reform.
Topics can be referred by the Lord Chancellor on behalf of the government.
Publishes a consultation paper (current laws, problems, what need to be reformed and explanations of laws in other countries).
Issues a final report (conclusion from research).
Often have a draft of a bill attached that needs to go before parliament.
Codification- bring together law on one topic into the same act. (Criminal code in 1985)
Repeal- Identify old acts that are no longer used. (Six acts relating to workhouses for the poor in 1667).

Advantages-

Areas of law are researched by legal experts.
Law commission consults before finalising proposals.
Whole areas of law can be considered, not just small issues.
If it rein acts a whole areas of law then it will all be under one act (Land registration act 2002).

Disadvantages-

Law commissions have to wait for parliament to reform act which can be a slow process (Offences against a person act- 5 years for government to issue a bill which did not proceed further in legislative process).
Not much time for pure law reform (limited time in parliament- financial matters).
When reforming law, government don’t have to consult commission. (Avoid research and legal knowledge).
Final law may be different to law commission’s proposals.

Political influence-

Each political party will have their own policies written in manifestos.
When elected into government, they will influence the laws they produce in parliament.
Manifestos persuade people to vote for them.
Parliament can make laws during and up to 5 years of being elected.
Announced in the queens speech.

Advantages-

Each political parties will have proposals ready if they are elected into government.
House of Commons have a majority vote therefore most of their laws proposed will be passed (Parliamentary act 1911- 1949).
Democratic as they are elected representatives.

Disadvantages-

Newly elected government can repeal or alter previous laws from past governments.
Constant changes in law which is costly.
Don’t have to follow manifestos when elected into government.

Public + media

A strong public opinion that can lead to a change in law.
The media help to highlight the issues that the public have.
Television, radio, newspapers and magazines.
They can criticise public policy and add to the weight of public opinion by offering free press.
2009 expenses claims made by MP’S were published in national newspapers, causing pupil rage leading to parliament reforming the whole system.

Advantages-

Disadvantages-

Media can manipulate information. Not a realistic view of the public or government.
Knee-jerk reaction. Parliament can rush legislation, leading to errors in law and poorly written acts. (Dangerous dogs act 1991)

Pressure groups-

Groups that have a particular interest in certain matters, at try to gain the attention of the general public and the…

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