Public bill
Encyclopedia
In the legislative process, a public bill is a bill
which proposes a law
of general application throughout the jurisdiction
in which it is proposed, and which if enacted will hence become a public law
or public act.
The term "public bill" differentiates such a bill from a private bill
, which is a legislative bill affecting only a single person, group, or area, such as a bill granting a named person citizenship
or, previously, granting named persons a legislative divorce
.
In practice, a (technically) public act can have the effect of a private act by the addition of restrictions such as limiting the act's effect to areas falling within a certain population bracket.
. Bills can be proposed in either the House of Commons or by Joint Committee of both houses.
Bill (proposed law)
A bill is a proposed law under consideration by a legislature. A bill does not become law until it is passed by the legislature and, in most cases, approved by the executive. Once a bill has been enacted into law, it is called an act or a statute....
which proposes a law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
of general application throughout the jurisdiction
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction is the practical authority granted to a formally constituted legal body or to a political leader to deal with and make pronouncements on legal matters and, by implication, to administer justice within a defined area of responsibility...
in which it is proposed, and which if enacted will hence become a public law
Public law
Public law is a theory of law governing the relationship between individuals and the state. Under this theory, constitutional law, administrative law and criminal law are sub-divisions of public law...
or public act.
The term "public bill" differentiates such a bill from a private bill
Private bill
A private bill is a proposal for a law that would apply to a particular individual or group of individuals, or corporate entity. If enacted, it becomes a private Act . This is unlike public bills which apply to everyone within their jurisdiction...
, which is a legislative bill affecting only a single person, group, or area, such as a bill granting a named person citizenship
Citizenship
Citizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political, national, or human resource community. Citizenship status, under social contract theory, carries with it both rights and responsibilities...
or, previously, granting named persons a legislative divorce
Divorce
Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
.
In practice, a (technically) public act can have the effect of a private act by the addition of restrictions such as limiting the act's effect to areas falling within a certain population bracket.
Public bills in the United Kingdom
Public Bills are the most common bills introduced to the Parliament of the United KingdomParliament of the United Kingdom
The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, British Crown dependencies and British overseas territories, located in London...
. Bills can be proposed in either the House of Commons or by Joint Committee of both houses.