This programme delivers an overview of the analytical skills needed to convert policy into comprehensible and legally enforceable legislation. It gives an insight into the techniques needed to draft and structure legislation that meets that standard.
It is designed both for the policy maker who needs to instruct drafters on the preparation of legislation, and for the legislative drafter who needs to actually translate that policy.
For policy makers, it is important to understand the job of the legislative drafter and what he or she needs to know, so as to reduce the time spent on clarification.
For drafters, the programme will assist in the production of rules that are not only readily understandable, but are also workable and capable of being enforced.
The instruction is practical and interactive, and participants will be able to put the translation process into practice by undertaking written exercises, which will be assessed in a supportive feedback session.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: On completion, you will be able to:
Understand the stages of the legislative process
For the policy-makers: be aware of policy from a legislative drafter’s viewpoint
For the drafters: analyse policy for the purposes of drafting legislation
Apply the skills learned in practical writing class and written exercises
Further options
Legislative Drafters/Legal Counsel can follow this week with Legislative Drafting: Essential Skills (p.85) to attend The Complete Legislative Drafter course in June (p.85). • Attend after Developing Effective Policies: Analysis, Evidence and Impact in June for The Complete Policy Maker
Course Structure
KEY TOPICS:
How to follow the stages of the legislative process
Analysis of policy for the purposes of drafting legislation
Effective legislative language: Using plain English and avoiding jargon
