Delegated legislation is a fundamental aspect of modern governance. It allows laws to be implemented effectively and flexibly in response to societal needs. This post explores what delegated legislation means, why it has grown, how it is classified, and the various control mechanisms in place. Additionally, we will discuss administrative adjudication, its rise, and how administrative actions are classified.

What is Delegated Legislation?

Delegated legislation refers to laws created by an individual or body based on authority granted by an Act of Parliament. This arrangement helps streamline the law-making process by allowing detailed regulations, orders, and rules without requiring Parliament to debate every small detail.

Common forms of delegated legislation include:

• Statutory Instruments: These are widely used and allow ministers to create laws quickly.

• By-Laws: Local authorities create these to address specific community issues, like regulating parking or controlling noise levels.

• Regulations: Issued by government departments to enforce specific mandates.