Evaluate the formal mechanism whereby law is changed Essay

Evaluate the formal mechanism whereby law is changed - Essay Example One source of laws in the U.K. is the Parliament which gets bills passed through parliament and transformed into law – these are known as statute laws. Another source of law is common law, which comprises a body of law that has been developed over several years on the basis of judgments given in the courts in previous years – this is known as common law.1 Constitutional law in the UK is based upon constitutional conventions, which may not have statutory authority but do have binding force, much like judicial precedent.2 Laws are made by Parliament, where an MP or Lord can introduce a bill. When a bill is passed, it becomes an Act of Parliament and has statutory force. The process of getting a bill passed through the U.K. Parliament and being transformed into law is a long process3. Bills are drafted by lawyers at the Parliamentary Council Office and may be preceded by Green or White Papers.4 Before the actual drafting of a bill, the Government initiates a period of consultation with experts and the draft of the provisions of the to-be bill are made available to concerned members of the public and to organizations so that they can propose their suggestions. Issues raised in Green and White papers may be debated in Parliament before a bill is drawn up. Therefore, when a bill is presented in Parliament, it is no longer a rough draft but a polished document. A bill in Parliament passes through seven different stages before it becomes law5. A bill originates in the House of Commons, where any member may propose it. The First reading is the stage where the title of the Bill is read out in Parliament and copies are printed and circulated. The next is the Second Reading stage where the House debates upon the principles and points contained in the bill. At the Committee stage, the House examines the Bill in detail subjecting it to a line by line scrutiny and making necessary amendments so that its language will be

Family Law Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Family Law - Research Paper Example According to a survey report, 43 to 46 percent of all marriages that have happened in the US in the year 2000 will eventually end in divorce (Smith et al., 1453). This paper explores the US law of divorce and dissolution of marriage on the grounds of husband’s chronic alcoholism and physical violence. It shows that divorce and dissolution of marriage are two separate ways of separation. As per Section 3105.01 of Ohio Divorce Law extreme cruel behavior of either spouse and chronic alcoholism of either spouse are considered as valid reasons for dissolution of marriage. Therefore, Jennifer was granted divorce. As for child custody, court considers the best interests of the child. In this case, it was granted that Martin is alcoholic and violent therefore Steve will not be safe if he stays with his father. Therefore, Jennifer was granted custody of her son. Moreover, Jennifer will find it difficult to do a full time job because she will have to look after a minor child; therefore she was spousal support. Martin and Jennifer have been married for 9 years and they have a son Steve who is 7 years old. The first year was happy and peaceful for the newly married couple. In the beginning of their second year Martin left his old company and joined a new multinational company as a software developer. After joining the new company, Martin often complained about cultural dissatisfaction and low salary. This job dissatisfaction was manifested in Martin’s personal life as he began to get engaged in long arguments with his wife and began to neglect his son’s studies. Martin gradually developed a habit of drinking alcohol along with some of his colleagues either at office parties or at their residence. Initially, Jennifer was not concerned since Martin was a light drinker and although he returned home in late evenings slightly