Government Keypoints: Processes of Legislation; This study material is suitable for students sitting for the following exams: JAMB, WAEC, NECO, GCE, IJMB, and JUPEB.
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Government Keypoints: Processes of Legislation
The process of legislation refers to the procedures and steps involved in the creation, formulation, and enactment of laws within a legal framework. Understanding these processes is crucial as it ensures the development of effective and fair laws that address societal needs while upholding democratic principles. This discussion will delve into the intricacies of legislative enactments, including acts, edicts, bye-laws, delegated legislation, and decrees.
i. Analysis of the Processes Involved in the Making of Laws:
- Legislative Enactments – Acts: Acts of legislation are laws passed by the legislative body, such as the parliament or congress, after a series of readings, debates, and voting. The legislative process typically involves stages like the first reading (introduction of the bill), committee stage (scrutiny, amendments), and the final reading (voting). Once approved, an act becomes law. For example, the passing of a budget bill through various readings and debates in a parliament.
- Edicts: Edicts are official orders or proclamations issued by a governing authority, typically a ruler or government, and carry the force of law. These are often used in a monarchy or authoritarian government and may not undergo the same legislative process as acts in democratic systems. For instance, a decree by a monarch establishing a new tax law.
- Bye-Laws: Bye-laws are local laws or regulations enacted by local governments, councils, or authorities. These laws address specific issues within their jurisdictions, such as zoning regulations or parking rules. The process of creating bye-laws usually involves public consultation, drafting, approval by the local authority, and publication.
- Delegated Legislation: Delegated legislation refers to laws made by a person or body under authority granted by an act of parliament. This process allows for the creation of detailed rules and regulations without requiring the full legislative process. Examples include regulations, orders, and statutory instruments made by government agencies or ministers to implement laws passed by the legislature.
- Decrees: Decrees are legislative acts issued by a single authority, typically a head of state or government, especially in authoritarian regimes. They may bypass the usual legislative procedures and have immediate legal force. An example could be a presidential decree instituting emergency measures.
The processes involved in making laws vary based on the type of legislative enactment. In democracies, the process is often more elaborate and involves multiple stages, debates, public consultations, and scrutiny by various bodies to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in lawmaking.
Conversely, in certain authoritarian systems, legislative enactments might originate from single authorities without significant debate or scrutiny.
Understanding these different processes of legislation is essential for comprehending how laws are formulated, implemented, and enforced within diverse legal systems and governance structures.
