disadvantages of creating law using Acts odf Parliament

• What are the disadvantages?

  • Lengthy process
  • Undemocratic
  • Weak government
  • Limited opportunity for external influences
• Why is it being undemocratic a disadvantage?

  P - House of Lords is unelected and unaccountable to the public even despite the reduction of the hereditary peers since 1997. 

  D - Use of the Parliamentary Act questions the need for a second house. 

  E - Although MPs are democratically elected, they are often obligated to ‘take the whip’ and vote on party lines rather than with their conscience or the interests of their constituents. 

  The King is also unelected! 
• Why is a weak government a disadvantage?

  P - Because they are susceptible to the medias pressure. E.g. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 need amendments later with 3 major changes and discussions of more. 

  D - Because of Parliamentary Supremacy another Act will be required to amend or remove the original legislation. 

  E - It Undermines the Government and makes it unstable. 
• Why is limited opportunity for external influence a disadvantage?

  P - Between 80-90% of all new Laws result from Government proposals and a large majority of laws can force through even if they are unpopular opinions. 

  D - Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 

  E - This can have adverse effect on the Government making them unstable. 
• Why is it being a lengthy process a disadvantage?

  P - Bills can take months or even years to become an act. 

  D - Especially if there is a consultation stage to receive and reply to Reponses. 

  E - For Example – Consumer Rights Act 2015 took fourteen months from the first reading to royal assent. 

  (However, the anti-terrorism laws after 9/11 attack a bill can become a law in just over two months in rare occasions.)