How a Bill becomes Law

The different kinds of Bill Government Sponsored Put forward by government through a cabinet minister High chance of success Private Members Bill Put forward by single MLA or MP Unlikely to succeed because lack of time

A The Role of Cabinet 1. A policy proposal is presented to Cabinet by a Minister 2. Cabinet accepts or rejects the proposal 3. Bill is drafted by the Department of Justice

B The Role of the House of Commons 4. First Reading – Bill introduced and briefly explained 5. Second Reading - Debate on the principle of the Bill -each MP can speak once

B The Role of the House of Commons 6. Committee Stage a) Standing Committee Detailed examination of the bill by parliamentary committee b) Committee of the Whole Recommendations of Standing Committee examined and amended and the bill is debated. 7. Third Reading House of Commons votes on the Bill

C The Role of Senate – (The Sober Second Thought) 8. First Reading 9. Second Reading 10. Committee Stage 11. Third Reading If amended the Bill is returned to the House of Commons

D The Role of the Crown 12. The bill is signed by the Governor General (royal assent) and it becomes law

The Branches of Government Executive Branch – Makes Decisions PM and cabinet Legislative Branch – Discusses and Votes Parliament – HOC and Senate Judicial Branch – Makes sure everything is within Constitution and the Charter Final decision rests with Supreme Court

Crime and Punishment For an act to be considered a crime it must consist of two elements: 1. Actus Reus – Physical Element 2. Mens Rea – Mental Element