Introduction

In this week you consider the legislative powers (law making) of the Scottish Parliament and the procedures that Bills have to go through before they become law. A Bill is a draft Act. If the Bill is passed it is enacted and becomes an Act and part of legislation.

Before devolution, all Bills affecting Scotland were introduced in, and subject to the procedures of, the UK Parliament. Some of those Bills were limited in extent to Scotland, while others applied to the whole of the UK (although often with some distinct provisions applicable only to Scotland).