Legislative Processes in the Commonwealth

About the Book

This book outlines the procedures used in many Commonwealth countries in key areas of the legislative process, especially on the executive side of government. It also covers the procedures in the legislature and the entry into force of different types of legislation. The jurisdictions discussed include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as others in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. The intention is to assist legislative counsel, politicians and students gain a wider perspective of processes in which drafters, civil servants and politicians participate. In this process, the book also lays bare certain procedures that should now be considered international best practice in the Commonwealth. The book is a follow-up to the author’s well-received earlier publication The Legislative Process: A Handbook for Public Officials (2009). However, this book considerably expands on the earlier one in terms of the countries and areas covered, as well as the whole approach to the subject.

About the Author

Bilika H. Simamba was trained as a legislative counsel in the UK and Canada many years ago. He was head of legislative drafting in two Commonwealth jurisdictions and has worked on long-term and short-term technical assistance projects in the Caribbean and Africa. He has published in peer-reviewed journals in the field of legislative drafting and law in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. Now an independent consultant, he spends much of his time in the Cayman Islands. Comments on the book may be sent to bsimamba@yahoo.co.uk