The

MAKING

of a

LAW

Animations from paid subscription to Animation FactoryPhotos: Sir Elliott Belgrave and Hon. John Boyce BGIS© 1999 Fiona Springer

MAKING A LAW

• The need for a law is felt by the citizens or the government.

• “There ought to be a law!”

MAKING A LAW

• The Bill is written up in legal language.

• “Every person having the custody, charge or care of any juvenile willfully assaults, ill-treats, neglects, abandons…”

DRAFTING

MAKING A LAW

• The Bill is introduced by the Minister responsible.

• Min. Public Works announces the Bill to apply jam-busting at all roundabouts.

FIRST READING

MAKING A LAW

• A full debate from everyone in the House who wishes to contribute.

• “Mr. Speaker, jam-busting will cause an increase in accidents…”

SECOND READING

MAKING A LAW

• Bill discussed clause by clause. A detailed discussion.

• Whole House: Money Bills, Controversial Bills

• Standing Committee: all other Bills

COMMITTEE STAGE

MAKING A LAW

• Standing Committee reports on the changes suggested by the committee.

• “Jam-busting will only be allowed in rural areas between 8-9 a.m. and 4- 5 p.m.”

REPORT STAGE

MAKING A LAW

• Another debate. • Vote to accept or

reject the Bill as a whole. No changes to be made.

• Moves to the Senate if accepted

THIRD READING

Aye !

MAKING A LAW

• Bill goes through Readings and Committee Stages.

• Bill can be delayed (if not a Money Bill)

SENATE

Aye !

• If accepted goes to Gov. Gen.

MAKING A LAW

• Bill goes to the Governor General for his Assent.

• Bill is signed, published in the Gazette

• Date it goes into effect is announced.

PROMULGATION

MAKING A LAW

The Bill is now a

LAW

or an

ACT of STATUTE.

MAKING A LAW

• The Idea• Drafting• First Reading• Second

Reading• Committee

Stage

• Report Stage

• Third Reading

• The Senate• Promulgatio

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