The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Delegated Legislation

Front 1

What are the strengths of delegated legislation?

Back 1

-It recognises that different geographical locations have different needs and requirements.
-It allows for expertise in the law making process.
-It eases the workload of Parliament.
-Changes can be implemented quickly.

Front 2

It recognises that different geographical locations have different needs and requirements. Why is this a strength?

Back 2

This is a strength because local councils can conform to the needs of their local areas and provide them with the laws and regulations that best benefit them.

Front 3

Changes can be implemented quickly. Why is this a strength?

Back 3

This is a strength because delegated bodies deal with specific areas and may be more responsive to the changing needs of the community.

Front 4

It allows for expertise in the law making process. Why is this a strength?

Back 4

This is a strength because subordinate bodies such as VicRoads are experts in their specific fields. Having experts in a particular area of law making increases the efficiency of the law making process.

Front 5

It eases the workload of Parliament. Why is this a strength?

Back 5

This is a strength because Parliament often lacks the time, knowledge and resources to fully debate each rule and regulation needed in our community. Therefore, delegating law making powers allows Parliament to allocate more time and resources to more important matters.

Front 6

What are the weaknesses of delegated legislation?

Back 6

-Other than local councils, subordinate bodies have not been elected.
-It is difficult to know who is making these laws.
-There may be more than one subordinate body making delegated legislation on the same issue.
-Parliament delegates law making powers to subordinate bodies, but often may not exercise enough control over laws made.

Front 7

It is difficult to know who is making these laws. Why is this a weakness?

Back 7

This is a weakness because if people don't know who is creating the laws, then those legislatures may not be held accountable.

Front 8

There may be more than one subordinate body making delegated legislation on the same issue. For example, local laws relating to the same subject can differ between local councils. Why is this a weakness?

Back 8

This is a weakness because inconsistent laws across the same issues in different areas can cause fragmentation and confusion.

Front 9

Parliament delegates its law making powers to subordinate bodies but often does not exercise enough control over laws made. Why is this a weakness?

Back 9

This is a weakness because without proper checks and balances, laws and regulations created by subordinate authorities may not fully benefit society.

Front 10

Other than local councils, people who make delegated legislation have not been elected.

Back 10

This is a weakness because laws made by unelected bodies may not be representative of the community or society's values.