REVISION+SHEET+-+PARLIAMENT+2

=__** REVISION SHEET - PARLIAMENT 2 **__=

1. More than a dozen retrials in 2009 were prompted by mistakes in instructing juries. This includes some high-profile cases such as Robert Farquharson, accused of killing his three sons by driving into a dam. One of the reasons for the retrial granted in this case was erroneous jury directions. In July 2009, the Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC) called for a single law on jury directions, which would outline that the trial judge has an obligation to give the jury any direction that is necessary to ensure a fair trial.

How effective do you think the VLRC would be in influencing changes in the law? Discuss. (2 marks)

2. Explain three ways in which individuals can be involved in influencing changes in the law. To what extent do you think these methods of influencing changes in the law are likely to be effective? (6 marks)

3. In what ways is the Commonwealth Government a responsible government? (2 marks)

4. ‘The VLRC is the most appropriate method of influencing parliament to change the law.’ Discuss. In your discussion consider other methods used by individuals and groups to influence changes in the law and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the VLRC as a method of influencing a change in the law. (6 marks)

5.Evaluate the reasons law may need to change using examples to illustrate your answer. (4 marks)

6. ‘Change in the law is necessary for the law to keep up with changing needs in society.’ Discuss this proposition using an example or examples of changes in the law or proposed changes in the law to illustrate points made.Your essay should include the following:  •explanation of the role of the Victorian Law Reform Commission in assessing the need for change. (2 marks)
 * discussion of reasons why laws may need to change using examples to illustrate points made. (4 marks)
 * analysis of methods used by individuals and groups to influence changes in the law. (6 marks)
 * evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of law- making through parliament. (8 marks)

7. Outline three reasons why parliament’s ability to make laws may be restricted. (3 marks)

8. Discuss three ways in which parliament is an effective law-making body? (3 marks)

9. Explain the term ‘supremacy of parliament’, and explain why this is an advantage of law- making through parliament. (3marks)

10. In what ways does parliament have access to expert information and public opinion? How can this assist in the law-making process? ( 3 marks)

11. Why might the fact that parliament can delegate its law-making power to subordinate authorities be both an advantage and a disadvantage? (4 marks)

12. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of law-making through parliament in relation to a change, or proposed change, in the law. (8 marks) 13. To what extent do you think that law-making through parliament is an effective method of law-making? (8 marks) Critically evaluate the law-making processes of parliament. (10 marks)


 * 14.** To what extent do you think that law-making through parliament is an effective method of law-making? (8 marks)