Legislation is the process of making laws. This is done through Acts of Parliament, and ‘rules’, ‘regulations’ and ‘bye laws’ made by those who are given authority to legislate by parliament e.g. local government bodies.
An Act of Parliament is always set out in writing starting with the following introduction:
‘Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:’
Businesses are affected by all sorts of legislation, including legislation for:
- Legislation that sets up new public bodies, such as the Legal Services Commission and the Public Defender System.
- Consumer Protection gives rights to consumers.
- Taxation legislation creates a framework for taxing businesses.
- Employee Rights and Health and Safety.
- Trade Union Rights.
- Fair competition.
The law
The laws, which the government creates, are then supervised by various bodies, which have a responsibility for ensuring that individuals get their rights and protection where appropriate.
For example, the creation of the Public Defender System creates a framework for providing inclusion for disadvantaged members of society who might otherwise not be able to get legal representation.
The legislation creates ‘the law of the land’ and criminal courts exist to make sure that individuals can be prosecuted by ‘the Crown’ for failure to abide by the law.
In addition to criminal cases, businesses can also use the civil courts to pursue disputes with other businesses and with individuals (rather than breaches in the law).
The legal system of the European Union takes priority over national legislation. EU regulations are directly binding on all Member States without the need for national legislation to put them in place.
Directives bind the Member States to the objectives to be achieved within certain time limits and are implemented in national legislation.