This book outlines the procedures used in many Commonwealth countries in key areas of the legislative process, especially on the executive side of government. It also covers the procedures in the legislature and the entry into force of different types of legislation. The jurisdictions discussed include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as others in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. The intention is to assist legislative counsel, politicians and students gain a wider perspective of processes in which drafters, civil servants and politicians participate. In this process, the book also lays bare certain procedures that should now be considered international best practice in the Commonwealth. The book is a follow-up to the authors well-received earlier publication The Legislative Process: A Handbook for Public Officials (2009). However, this book considerably expands on the earlier one in terms of the countries and areas covered, as well as the whole approach to the subject.

The Commonwealth Legislative Drafting Manual guides the practitioner step by step through the various things he or she needs to know. It also contains a series of appendices relating to the procedure for the preparation of legislation, the contents of drafting instructions, and some hints to the beginner on the best approaches to the task.

Stephen Gardbaum proposes and examines a new way of protecting rights in a democracy.

The quality of legislation within the Commonwealth is an essential element of democracy and the rule of law. Although a neglected territory until recently, the legislative drafting debate is at the forefront of academic and professional fora at a Commonwealth and at a national level. This book brings to light the academic foundations of legislative quality and the many recent innovations deriving from Commonwealth jurisdictions. This book was based on a special issue of the Commonwealth Law Bulletin.