How Language Works in Politics: The Impact of Vague Legislation on Policy

ISBN-13: 9781529200201 / Angielski / Twarda / 2018 / 256 str.

Matthew Williams

Opis

Using analysis from machine readings of all legislation enacted between 1900 and 2015, this book discusses the social impact of increasingly elastic legislative language on the contemporary workings of the British constitution. Crucially, it shows that vague legislation has a tremendous impact on policy delivery, disproportionately affecting the weakest, in areas including immigration, homelessness and anti-discrimination.

Spis treści

Part One — Language and Politics in the UK; 1 Introduction — How Language Works in Politics; 2 Past — How Has Parliament's Use of Language Changed? 3 Present — Why Has Parliament's Use of Language Changed? Part Two — The Social Impact of Parliament’s Use of Language; 4 Immigration — How Parliament’s Language Affects Central Government Powers; 5 Homelessness — How Parliament’s Language Affects Local Government Duties; 6 Anti-discrimination and Equality — How Parliament’s Language Affects Individual Rights; Part Three — Fixing the Code; 7 Constitutional Language — Lessons from Beyond Westminster 8 Filling Gaps — The Human Rights Act 1998 Conclusions.