Law is a field that is constantly changing. Its practitioners must keep up with trends, new tools and techniques to best serve their clients. One concept that is often used in this context is “law new.” Although it can be a little hard to pin down, it refers to providing legal services in innovative ways that differ from standard practice. This can include working with underserved communities, different fee structures and a focus on process. It can also refer to a niche area of the law that is run under a separate leadership structure than the main practice of a firm.
Creating a new law involves a complex legislative process. The legislation must be drafted, debated, and voted on. This allows elected representatives to shape policies based on their constituents’ needs and desires, while also demonstrating accountability to the public. Throughout the process, amendments can be added to bills, significantly altering their original proposals. Learn about the role of committees in drafting new laws and how political polarization may affect the creation of legislation.
New York City Council
The legislative branch of the municipal government, the New York City Council, is in charge of passing new laws that regulate local businesses and government activities. Those laws are known as “bills.” Each bill has its own specific purpose and requirements. In order for a bill to pass, it must be approved by the Mayor and two-thirds of the members of both the Council and the Assembly. Once the bill is passed, it will become a law, unless the Mayor decides to veto it. Then the bill will be sent back to the Council, and can still be overturned with a 2/3 majority vote.
Congress
The federal legislature, the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, is responsible for making laws at the national level. In this video, you will learn how bills are introduced and how the legislative process works in each house of Congress. You will also see how the executive branch, the President of the United States, can influence or change a bill through the veto power and how Congress can override the President’s veto.
NYC Laws and Rules
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is changing some of its rules in order to implement recently passed local laws. This includes a change to the rules that apply to newsstands and an update to penalties for certain types of violations. This is just a small sample of the laws and rules that are being changed in New York City this week. For a more complete list of changes, please visit NYC Laws and Rules.