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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 media campaigns to raise public awareness about specific issues, effectively pressuring lawmakers to act. For example, consider a grassroots organization advocating for environmental protection. By utilizing social media platforms, they can mobilize support through petitions, share compelling stories, and disseminate information about environmental challenges. This increased visibility can lead to heightened public discourse, ultimately pushing parliament to consider legislation that addresses these environmental concerns.
Step 2
Evaluate two weaknesses of parliament as a law-maker.
Answer
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Time-consuming Legislative Process: The process of passing a bill in parliament can be significantly time-consuming. This is often exacerbated by the need for thorough investigations and discussions to ensure comprehensive legislation. As a result, urgent social changes may not be addressed promptly, resulting in a gap between public needs and legislative action.
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Dependence on Expert Information: Parliament often relies on expert opinions and data to inform its legislative decisions. This dependence can delay the process, especially when there is a lack of accessible data or differing expert opinions on critical issues. For example, issues like terrorism legislation require swift action; however, the continuous acquisition of expert information can hinder timely decision-making, leaving critical matters unaddressed.