In a legal business world where buzzwords are constantly in flux, it can be easy to lose track of what’s really new. Law firms add and drop practice areas, change their firm names or announce major expansions. The same goes for the terms that describe legal technology and innovations in the profession, which have a habit of changing so fast they can become obsolete before you realize it.
New law is legislation that creates or amends existing legal rules and regulations. It may be created to address specific issues, update policies or adapt to society’s changing needs. The process of creating new laws is a key part of our democratic system. It allows citizens to influence government policy through their elected representatives and ensures that members of Congress are responsive to the needs and priorities of their constituents. The creation of new laws also demonstrates the accountability of Congress to its constituents.
A new law typically begins as a proposal or bill, which is introduced to Congress by a member of the House of Representatives or Senate. The bill will then be assigned to a committee whose members will examine and make changes to the bill in a focused environment. The committee process is an essential component of the legislative process, and allows for detailed analysis and discussion of proposed new laws.
When a new law is passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives, it will be sent to the President of the United States for review. The President can sign the bill into law, veto it or take no action. If the President vetoes a bill, it will return to Congress, which can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
The United Nations’ top court is set to hear arguments over how the world’s richest countries should deal with the consequences of global warming, in a case that could have a ripple effect on litigation worldwide.
The Center for Law and Government offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in local, state or federal government agencies, as well as build a network for future employment. The Center offers CityLaw Breakfasts with prominent speakers discussing current government and political issues, policy and budget briefings, conferences on major policy and legal issues, book talks with authors, continuing legal education seminars and other lectures and trainings. All CUNY School of Law students are invited to join the Center as affiliates, which helps them gain practical experience and develop their network. Click here to learn more about joining the Center.