Delegated legislation refers to laws or regulations that are created by administrative bodies, ministers, or other government officials who have been granted the authority to make such laws or regulations by an act of parliament or other legislative body.
In other words, delegated legislation is a form of law making in which the power to create laws or regulations is delegated or given to a specific individual or group of individuals.
- Delegated legislation is typically used to make detailed regulations or rules that are necessary to implement broader policies or laws enacted by parliament.
- It allows the government to respond quickly to changing circumstances or to deal with specific situations that may not have been anticipated when the original law was passed.
- Delegated legislation can take many forms, including orders, regulations, rules, by laws, and directives.
- It can be used to establish standards for public health and safety, set licensing requirements, regulate trade and commerce, and establish procedures for administrative processes.
The concept of delegated legislation is based on the idea that government officials who have been granted the power to create laws or regulations will use that power responsibly and in the public interest. However, there is always a risk that this power may be abused, and that delegated legislation may be used to circumvent the democratic process or to further the interests of specific groups or individuals.
