Law Reform

• What is the main topic of Section A Paper 2 in Law Reform?

  Media & public opinion
• What are the forms of communication that influence public opinion?

  • Newspapers
  • TV
  • Internet
  • Radio
• How does media influence Parliament?

  By campaigning, running articles, and reporting events
• What is the aim of media influence on Parliament?

  To change the law
• What campaign did Sarah Payne initiate in 2000?

  The campaign aimed for greater access to the sex offender’s register
• What was achieved by the Sarah Payne campaign by 2011?

  Greater access to the sex offender’s register under The Child Sex Offenders Disclosure Scheme
• What scandal did the Daily Telegraph campaign address?

  The MP’s Expenses Scandal
• What legislation resulted from the Daily Telegraph campaign on MP’s expenses?

  The Parliamentary Standards Act 2009
• Which campaign was led by the Daily Mail following the Dunblane shooting?

  The Snowdrop Campaign
• What was the outcome of the Snowdrop Campaign?

  It banned private ownership of handguns via the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997
• What are the advantages of media influence on law reform?

  1. Brings issues to the attention of the Government
  2. Raises public profile of issues
  3. Raises public awareness of future laws
• How did the media influence the Government regarding the MP’s expenses scandal?

  It highlighted the intensity of public feeling about the issue
• How did the media raise public awareness of the issue of paedophiles in the community?

  Through the Sarah’s Law campaign
• How did the Government use media influence regarding the Immigration Act 2016?

  To get the public to accept the law
• What happens if politicians evade questions in the media?

  It decreases public trust
• What is a disadvantage of media influence on politicians?

  Media tycoons exert too much influence on politicians
• What negative effect can media influence have on public opinion?

  It can lead to vigilantism
• What is a consequence of rushed legislation due to media pressure?

  The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 took 6 years to repeal
• What are pressure groups?

  • Groups joined by a common cause
  • Represent sections of society
  • Campaign, protest, petition, and lobby government to change the law
• What type of pressure group is the BMA?

  A sectional pressure group
• What legislation did the BMA lobby for regarding smoking?

  To ban smoking in vehicles where a child is present
• What campaign did the Law Society start in 2011?

  Sound Off for Justice
• What was the outcome of the Say No2ID campaign?

  It led to the repeal of the ID Cards Act 2006
• What did Greenpeace protest against?

  The Infrastructure Act 2015
• What are the advantages of pressure groups?

  1. Minorities get a voice
  2. Raise public awareness of issues
  3. Help MPs keep in touch with public opinion
• What is a disadvantage of pressure groups regarding government response?

  The government doesn’t have to listen to them
• What is a potential bias in pressure groups?

  They can be one-sided or biased
• What disruption can pressure groups cause?

  They can lead to the introduction of laws like the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001
• Who are lobbyists?

  • Individuals or groups who persuade MPs
  • Ask questions in Parliament or put forward bills
• What did the NHS Partners’ Network lobby for in 2010-11?

  The Health and Social Care Act 2012
• What was the financial outcome of the Health and Social Care Act 2012?

  £60-£80 billion went to GPs and private sector health companies
• What was the outcome of the tobacco industry's lobbying efforts?

  The Tobacco Regulations 2016 enforced plain packaging
• What are the advantages of lobbying?

  1. Bring issues to the attention of MPs
  2. Anyone can use them
• What is a disadvantage of lobbying regarding financial influence?

  Richer companies lobby better than smaller groups
• What is a disadvantage of lobbying related to the Lobby Act 2014?

  Businesses can lobby better than charities
• How do politicians influence Parliament?

  • Through manifestos
  • By having a majority in the commons
  • By the Queen’s Speech at the opening of Parliament
• What did the Conservatives promise in their 2019 manifesto?

  To leave the EU by January 2021
• What did Labour promise in their 2019 manifesto regarding the EU?

  To have a second referendum on leaving the EU
• How long does the government have to enact reforms after an election?

  Five years
• Why does the government have the most influence in Parliament?

  Because they have the majority in the commons