Long description

This is a picture which illustrates how law is made from inception through to becoming law. There are a number of stages which are numbered from 1 to 13. Stage 1 starts at the top and Stage 13 is at the bottom. Each numbered stage compartmentalizes each part of the process by using a picture which captures each stage of the law-making process and accompanying text.

Picture 1 is of a light bulb, which symbolizes an idea that has been generated by a number of individuals or government bodies, such as the Royal Commission (an agency of law reform), a pressure group, a party policy that has been put forward as new legislation, a private member’s Bill or an alternative law reform body such as the Law Commission.

Picture 2 is of a White Paper and a Green Paper. These are discussion documents that are used to give details of proposed legislation.

Picture 3 is of a keyboard and a pair of hands typing the draft of a new piece of legislation. This is the drafting of the Bill to make sure that the wording of the proposed legislation is clear.

Picture 4 is of a woman reading out the Bill at the first reading process, which is the introduction of the proposed legislation.

Picture 5 is of a woman reading out the Bill for the second time. At this stage the Bill is outlined.

Picture 6 is of a number of individuals sitting around a table. This represents the committee stage. This is where the Bill is debated by a committee and any agreed amendments are made.

Picture 7 is of a report. This represents the report stage, which informs either the House of Lords or House of Commons of any amendments.

Picture 8 is of a woman reading out the Bill for the third time.

Picture 9 is of a portcullis with a crown above it. At this stage the Bill passes to the next House. If the Bill started in the House of Commons, the next House would be the House of Lords.

Picture 10 is a picture of a crown which is symbolic of the Royal Assent.

Picture 11 is a picture of the published legislation.

Picture 12 simply states that the legislation is being implemented.

Picture 13 is a picture of a judge in a court who is reading the legislation, interpreting the rules and applying them.