HOW ARE LAWS MADE AND HOW CAN THEY CHANGE THINGS? 30 REFLECT ON YOUR LEARNING UNDERSTAND
1. How are the following types of law made or changed? (a) Constitutional law (b) European law (c) Local bye-laws
2. Where are most national laws made or changed? 3. Explain the difference between a bill and an act. 4. Explain what happens at each stage of the passage of a new bill through the Oireachtas. (a) Introduction (b) Debate (c) Committee (d) Report (e) Final stage
5. Name and explain two of the important changes to Irish law since 1996.
DISCUSS
Have a short discussion (5–10 minutes), in pairs or groups, on a law you feel is unfair or unjust.
Listen to each other carefully and note down any good points that you had not considered.
Report back to your teacher and the class on what you discussed and whether you mostly agreed or disagreed, stating why.
RESPONSE JOURNAL
REFLECT Visit page 121 of your Response Journal to complete your end-of-topic reflection and see how your knowledge has developed.
