Making & Shaping Law

• New laws can be introduced:

  1. By the government, based on their election manifesto.
  2. Due to current events, new technology, or public concerns.
  3. By pressure groups influencing policy.
• The Law-Making Process

  1. Green Paper: Consultation stage with experts and the public.
  2. White Paper: A more developed proposal is presented for debate.
  3. First Reading: The bill is introduced in Parliament (no debate).
  4. Second Reading: MPs or Lords debate and may vote on the bill.
  5. Committee Stage: A group of MPs or Lords suggests changes.
  6. Report Stage: The revised bill is examined again.
  7. Third Reading: A final vote takes place.
  8. Royal Assent: The monarch formally approves the bill, making it law.
• Why do governments propose new laws? Give two reasons.

  1)to act on the election promise to implement all new laws proposed in their manifesto.

  2) in response to media or pressure group actions.