Advantages and Disadvantages of Political Influence

Law Commission
The Law Commission is an independent body to review the law and propose reform.

Advantages       

• Legal experts research the law.    
• A Consultation paper is published before finalizing proposals.     
• Whole areas of law can be considered as well as small issues.

Disadvantages 

•  Parliament is slow to implement some reforms.
•  Time is very limited in Parliament for ‘pure’ law reform. 

Political Influence 
Each political party has its own policies. When a party is elected as government the policies are a major influence on the laws they introduce into Parliament.

Advantages

• Each political party has its proposals ready so if they are elected the government knows what they wish to do. 
• A government majority in the House of Commons means evert law it proposes will be passed. 

Disadvantages

• New governments may repeal or amend laws passed by previous governments.  

European Union
Britain joined the EU in 1973.  This result in any new laws, which are passed by, the EU has to be bought into effect by the government.  

Advantages

• Creates uniformity in laws in all EU countries. 

Disadvantages

• Not always popular with the public. 
• Less sovereignty. 

Public Opinion/Media
A strong public opinion can lead to a change in the law. 
The media play an important role in highlighting issues of public concern to the government. 

Advantages 

• Brings public opinion to the governments attention.

Disadvantages

• The media manipulating the news and creating public opinion.
• Responding too quickly due to pressure to high- profile accidents may lead to the law being poorly drafted.  

Pressure Groups
They are groups which have a particular interest and try to bring matters they are interested in to the attention of the public as well as the government. 

Advantages

• They raise important issues. 
• Wide range of issues being drawn to the attention of the government who reconsider the law. 

Disadvantages

•  Trying to impose their ideas on the majority.
• Pressure groups have conflicting interests.