How Laws Are Made in the UK: A Beginner’s Guide

Written by Shobhinie Ganendiran

Have you ever wondered who decides what’s legal or illegal, or how new rules that affect

our daily lives come into existence? From social media regulations to equality protections,

every law starts somewhere. Understanding how laws are made isn’t just for lawyers — it’s the foundation of knowing your rights and how society works.

If you’re thinking about studying law or just curious about how decisions are made in the

UK, here’s a simple guide to how it all happens.

1. Acts of Parliament

Most UK laws are made in Parliament, which is made up of two parts:

• The House of Commons: Elected representatives (MPs) who propose, debate, and vote on new laws.

• The House of Lords: Appointed members who review and suggest changes using their experience and expertise.

How a law is made in Parliament:

1. Proposal (Bill Stage): A government minister or a private member (an MP not in the

government) introduces a new law in the form of a bill.

2. Debates and Readings: The bill is debated, reviewed, and possibly amended in both

Houses.

3. Approval: Both Houses must agree on the final version.

4. Royal Assent: The monarch gives formal approval. The bill becomes an Act of

Parliament, which is now official law.

Example: The Equality Act 2010, which protects people from discrimination, is an Act of

Parliament.

2. Statutory Instruments: Secondary Legislation

Not every detail of a law needs a full debate in Parliament. That’s where statutory

instruments (SIs) — a form of secondary legislation — come in.

They allow ministers to make practical updates or add details to laws without starting from

scratch.

These laws are usually based on powers given by an existing Act of Parliament. Some SIs are checked by Parliament, but many are passed more quickly to deal with technical details.

Example: changing the minimum wage or updating health and safety rules.

3. Judicial Influence: Case Law and Precedent

Even after a law is written, courts help shape how it’s applied through something called

judicial precedent. When judges interpret laws in real cases, their decisions create legal principles that other courts must follow.

• Higher courts (like the Supreme Court) set binding examples for lower courts.

• Judges can clarify vague laws or adapt them to modern life, for example, decisions

about privacy or human rights in the age of technology.

This process ensures that the law remains fair, relevant, and consistent.

4. How It All Works Together

The UK legal system is like a three-part machine that keeps society running smoothly:

• Acts of Parliament set the framework.

• Statutory Instruments fill in the practical details.

• Judicial decisions interpret and refine those laws.

Together, they create a living legal system that can adapt to new challenges while staying

grounded in democratic principles.

Wrapping Up: Why it Matters

Knowing how laws are made isn’t just about memorizing stages or names- it’s about

understanding how you fit into the process. Every student, citizen, and future lawyer has the

power to influence the laws that shape our communities.

So next time you hear about a new law on the news, take a moment to think: Could I be part

of making something like that one day?

Because the truth is: you absolutely could.