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A former member of parliament recently commented that 'the use of the media has been effective in influencing change in the law in recent times, given that parliament itself has weaknesses as a law-maker' - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 7 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 7
A former member of parliament recently commented that 'the use of the media has been effective in influencing change in the law in recent times, given that parliamen... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A former member of parliament recently commented that 'the use of the media has been effective in influencing change in the law in recent times, given that parliament itself has weaknesses as a law-maker' - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 7 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
Using one example, explain how individuals or groups may use the media to influence legislative change.
Answer
Individuals or groups can use the media effectively by launching awareness campaigns that highlight specific issues in society. For instance, environmental organizations may create social media campaigns bringing attention to climate change legislation. By utilizing platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or traditional news outlets, they can mobilize public support and pressure legislators to act. Such campaigns often start viral trends, prompting discussions that reach decision-makers in Parliament, ultimately influencing them to address the issue in legislative sessions.
Step 2
Evaluate two weaknesses of parliament as a law-maker.
Answer
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Time Constraints: The process of investigating and implementing new laws is often time-consuming. Parliament must juggle various legislative priorities which can delay the introduction of crucial legislation. This inefficiency can result in outdated laws that don't respond swiftly to societal changes.
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Limited Resources: Parliament's ability to gather comprehensive information is often hindered by resource limitations. For example, when tackling issues like terrorism legislation, MPs may rely on limited data, impacting the quality of the laws passed. The rush to legislate in response to societal pressures can lead to poorly drafted laws that lack necessary detail and consideration.