Legislation

Legislation refers to the set of laws enacted by a legislative body or other authorities with legal authority to make binding rules for a population. It comprises statutes, acts, and sometimes codes or ordinances, and may be complemented by delegated or regulatory instruments created by executives or agencies. Legislation establishes rights, duties, and procedures, and provides the framework for governance, public administration, taxation, crime and civil matters.

The body that creates legislation is usually a parliament or congress, sometimes with a constituent-level or federal structure. Legislative processes typically include drafting, committee review, readings, debate, amendments, and voting, followed by assent or proclamation and publication to become law. Some jurisdictions allow referendums or citizen-initiated measures. Once in force, laws are interpreted by courts and applied by the executive and administrative agencies. They may be amended, repealed, codified, or repealed through subsequent legislation.

A distinction exists between primary legislation (statutes enacted by the legislature) and secondary or delegated legislation (rules made by executives or agencies under authority delegated by statute). Law evolves through constitutional amendments, judicial decisions interpreting statutes, and administrative practice. In different legal systems, terminology and procedures vary; common law traditions emphasize interpretation and precedent, while civil law traditions emphasize codified statutes.

Legislation serves to regulate conduct, allocate resources, protect rights, and address public policy priorities. It can be broad and principle-based or detailed and technical. Critics argue that legislation can be slow, complex, inaccessible, or vulnerable to special interests, while supporters contend that it is essential for rule of law, accountability, and social change.