LLB104 Lecture 5: Lecture Notes Week 5 - Power
Document Summary
Politics = who gets what, when, and how" (lasswell, 1936) Power = the ability to influence someone"s behaviour either with or against their will. Law as a means to disempower people or other entities intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes laws are passed without anything wrong with them on paper , that is, substantively. But, the way in which that law operates aggravates pre-existing power imbalances or fails to address pre-existing power imbalances. Law as a means to empower people or entities. Changes to law that improves access to health, education, housing and water. Redress for rights violations and injustices (provides and avenue of resistance) Contestations of unjust or illegal distribution of resources. Improvements in citizen ability to exercise oversight/checks and balances on public actors. Law as a way to limit, divide or strengthen the exercise of power. Avenues to challenge executive government decision making. Lobbying: attempts to influence lawmakers and officials often through organised groups.
