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Legislative Process | |
Apart from the fact that the Manx Parliament, Tynwald, is the oldest continuous parliament in the world, it also has the distinction of being the only one which has three parts (i.e. it is tricameral): firstly, the House of Keys, second the Legislative Council and third the two chambers sitting together as Tynwald Court.Tynwald CourtTynwald Court normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month and consists of the members of the House of Keys and Legislative Council sitting together. Meetings can last for up to three days and normally begin at 10.30am. The main purposes of Tynwald Court are to debate policy issues, including the Chief Minister's annual Policy Document, to approve all taxation and government spending and deal with secondary legislation. Secondary legislation refers to rules, orders and regulations made within the scope of existing law and it is often referred to as Delegated Legislation. The sessions of Tynwald Court are presided over by the President of Tynwald, who is elected for a five-year term by the Members. Sir Charles Kerruish was the first President of Tynwald, retiring in 2000. Prior to his election to this post in 1990, Tynwald was presided over by the Lieutenant Governor, who is the Queen's representative in the Island.Midsummer CourtOnce a year, on July 5th or the weekday closest to it if the 5th falls over a weekend, Tynwald meets in the open air at St John's. This midsummer sitting on July 5th is on midsummer day according to the Julian calendar, which was replaced throughout Europe in the 18th century, but retained for certain limited purposes in the Isle of Man including the midsummer sitting of Tynwald. The sitting is more than a mere ceremony - though there is much ceremonial - since it is and always has been a legal requirement upon which validity of legislation enacted by Tynwald depends that it be proclaimed to the people on this occasion. It is also the occasion on which the ancient right to petition Tynwald with individual grievances is exercised, and each year several such petitions are made and, if considered justified, investigated by a select committee of Tynwald.The day, known as Tynwald Day, begins with the Court assembling for worship in the Royal Chapel at St John's, after which there is a procession to Tynwald Hill. Tynwald Hill is known to be one of the ancient sites of open-air parliamentary meetings. Anciently, the sitting of Tynwald was presided over by the Lord of Mann; since 1765 when the Lordship was vested in the English Crown, the Lieutenant Governor, unless a member of the Royal family is present. During the open air sitting the Coroners are sworn in and all Acts of Tynwald which have had Royal Assent are promulgated in both Manx and English by the two Deemsters (the High Court judges). Full details of the work of Tynwald Court and the events of Tynwald Day may be found in the linked web site for Tynwald Court. |
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