Virginia RULES Teens Learn & Live the Law Introduction to Laws in Virginia

Lesson Goal: To introduce students to the laws we live by with particular emphasis on how the laws apply to teens in their daily lives. To introduce students to the laws we live by with particular emphasis on how the laws apply to teens in their daily lives.

Students Will Learn: Why there are laws Why there are laws Where laws come from Where laws come from How laws are made How laws are made How we can have a role in making laws How we can have a role in making laws

Rule of Law “Rule of law” means that we are a nation of laws, and that our system of government is one in which we have the ability to enforce limits on the powers of government and to hold government accountable for actions that violate individual rights.

Where Laws Come From Constitutional Law The United States Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia established the structure of our federal and state governments. The U.S. Constitution established three branches of the federal government: Legislative branch – creates laws Executive branch – implements and enforces laws Judicial branch – interprets laws Virginia established the three branches of Virginia government: Legislative branch – General Assembly, made up of the Senate and the House of Delegates – creates laws Executive branch – The governor – implements and enforces laws Judicial branch – The Virginia Supreme Court and lesser state courts

Statutes Laws enacted by legislative bodies are called statutes and are the primary source of laws in the United States. Federal laws are enacted by Congress and are recorded in the United States Code. In Virginia, state laws are enacted by the Virginia General Assembly and are recorded in the Code of Virginia. Code of Virginia on the Virginia Legislative Information web site at

Case Law Courts have an important role in interpreting laws when there are disputes. The principles and rules of law that courts set forth when they interpret the law establish what is referred to as case law.

Ordinances Ordinances are laws passed by cities and counties. In Virginia, city ordinances are enacted by city councils and county ordinances are enacted by boards of supervisors. Example of an ordinance is a curfew law that makes it illegal for someone under a certain age to be out late at night.

Rules at School and at Home Virginia laws require school boards to: Establish policies “designed to provide that public education be conducted in an atmosphere free of disruption and threat to persons or property and supportive of individual rights.” Adopt codes of student conduct and procedures for suspension and expulsion. Under the law, parents have “custody and control” of you. Custody and control means you must obey your parents and they must take care of you.

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Your Role in Making Laws Virginia General Assembly meets every year in Richmond. Hundreds of laws are enacted or changed. Step 1. Drafting and Introduction A legislator has an idea for a bill, usually from a constituent. The legislative member presents the idea and requests that it be drafted into a bill. In January, when the General Assembly meets, the Delegates and Senators introduce their bills in their respective chambers.

Making Laws Step 2. Committee Action The bill is referred to a committee. The members of the committee consider the bill and decide what action to take. This is when the public may speak. After listening to testimony, the committee may vote to recommend the passage or defeat of the bill. They may also offer changes (called amendments). If the committee recommends passage of the bill, it then goes back to the chamber where it was introduced.

Making Laws Step 3. “Floor” Action The title of the bill must be read or printed in the calendar three times. First Reading: The bill is printed in the calendar or is read by the Clerk. Second Reading: The next day, the bill is read again. The bill may be amended after it has been read a second time. In the House of Delegates, the bill will be debated. Third Reading: The following day, the bill is read a final time. If the bill has been amended, the amended version of the bill will be read. A final vote is taken during the third reading.

Making Laws Step 4. Voting If the bill passes, it is then sent to the other chamber where it follows a similar process of committee action, floor debate, amending, and voting. If the bill passes both chambers in the same form, it then goes to the governor.

Making Laws Step 5. Governor’s Action Once passed by both chambers and signed by the head of each chamber, the bill is then sent to the governor for his or her approval. The governor may: Sign the bill into law Amend the bill and return it to the General Assembly for approval Veto the bill and return it to the General Assembly, where the House of Delegates and Senate may override his/her veto by a two-thirds vote of both chambers Take no action in which case the bill becomes law without his/her signature

Making Laws Step 6. Law Bills that become law during a Regular Session (or the Reconvened Session that follows) are effective on July 1st, unless otherwise specified.

Making Laws You can play an important role in making or changing the laws we live by. State Senator U.S. Senator – represents on federal matters U.S. Representative – also deals with federal matters City council/board of supervisors – acting on local matters such as local ordinances

Review and Recap Constitutional law is found in the federal and state constitutions. Statutes are laws passed by legislative bodies, including Congress and the Virginia General Assembly. Courts make “case law” when they interpret laws. City councils and boards of supervisors make laws when they enact local ordinances. Virginia law also recognizes that schools and parents have the authority to make rules that students and children are expected to follow. You have learned: