Politics

National Politics

Journalists are named the '4th Estate' in National Politics, this is their constitutional position. ''Must not only be done but must be seen to be done.'' Therefore, it is a journalist's job to hunt around and check that politicians are doing their job properly. Journalists also have the legal right to report if a politician is not doing his job due to Privilege.

John Wilkes is a hero for all journalists since his paper 'The North Briton' attacked the current MP of the time,Lord Brute and king George III. They wanted to put him in prison due to this and him also commiting contempt of Parliament. He was exiled a number of times and even spent some time in prison because of his protest for the right of free speech.

It is because of Wilkes that Journalists are now able to report about what happens in parliament on the constitutional basis of free speech. This is called Qualified Privilege. However, you must avoid the Sub Judice rule which is contempt. Although you're allowed to report what you want you cannot say anything which is defamatory and therefore puts you at the risk of being sued for libel. Also note that you're not allowed to mention the Royal family too.

In America USA officials are not allowed to sue for libel at all. On TV and radio you must have a balance of arguments ( Broadcasting Act section 6/ Representation of the people Act) in newspapers you are allowed to be one sided as you're not watching or listening to something and arguably isn't as influential.

Voting in the Commons is formally called a 'Division' the parties try to control the way in which MPs vote through 'whipping' unless there's a free vote on matters of conscience. Whipping is when people terrorise others into voting for them. The 'whips' are usually MPs themselves.

House of Lords

Years ago people weren't elected into the House of Lords, you were born into parliament, when you die your son or daughter takes your place. This is no longer the case as in 1999 being able to inherit this status was stopped and 'peers' became people of a professional job such as surgeons and bishops etc.

Members of the House of Lords don't represent constituencies and are also not paid a salary but can claim expenses.

All new laws have to be approved by both houses except when it comes to tax- raising measures which are for MPs alone to decide. Members of the House of Lords also are not allowed to vote on changes to taxation or finance, they never have the final word.

The Hansard is the official report of the proceedings of Parliament which is published daily.