How Laws Are Made and Changed in Liberia
An introduction to the constitutional law-making process and the difference between policy ideas, draft Bills, enacted Acts and law reform recommendations.
From proposal to law
Not every legal proposal is law. Liberia's legal system distinguishes between an idea for reform, a draft Bill, a Bill under legislative consideration and an enacted Act.
The Legislature
The Constitution gives legislative power to the National Legislature. A proposal that requires new legislation must pass through the constitutionally authorised law-making process.
Presidential consideration
Article 35 provides that a Bill or resolution passed by both Houses is presented to the President. The President may approve it, return it with objections, or the constitutional rules governing the passage of time and legislative adjournment may apply. The Constitution also provides for a legislative override of a veto by the required majority.
The role of the Law Reform Commission
The Law Reform Commission can research legal problems, consult stakeholders, propose reforms and prepare or review draft legislation. It does not enact law. A Commission draft or recommendation remains a reform proposal unless and until the constitutionally competent institutions complete the required process.
Why legal status labels matter
When using this website, pay attention to labels such as Draft, Proposed, Enacted, Historical or Current. A document can be important to the reform process without being part of the law currently in force.
For exact legal status, verify the enacted instrument, official gazette or other authoritative government source.