What is an Act of Parliament? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

An act of parliament is a formal law passed by the legislative body in the UK. It can either create a new law or modify an existing one. To become law, the act must receive approval from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, followed by Royal Assent from the reigning monarch. This process is essential for establishing the framework of British law.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, the Education Act 2011 was an act of parliament that reformed various aspects of education in England. It introduced changes to school governance and funding.

(Hypothetical example) A new act could be introduced to address climate change, mandating specific actions for businesses and individuals to reduce carbon emissions.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Statute A written law passed by a legislative body. Acts of parliament are specific types of statutes that require royal assent.
Bill A proposal for a new law or amendment. A bill becomes an act of parliament once it is passed and receives royal assent.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to understand how an act of parliament affects your situation, consider researching the specific act or consulting legal resources. US Legal Forms offers templates that can assist you in complying with legal requirements related to acts of parliament. If your situation is complex, seeking advice from a legal professional is recommended.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Process Requires approval from both houses and royal assent
Types Can create new laws or amend existing ones
Authority Legislative body of the UK

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A bill is a proposal for a new law, while an act is a bill that has been passed and received royal assent.