Parliament
is the legislative authority for the Federation, and in this
capacity, it makes laws applicable to the Federation as a
whole. It thus wields a considerable and far-reaching influence
on the life of the Federation.
Parliament
passes federal laws, makes amendments to existing federal
laws, examines the government’s policies, approves the
government’s expenditures and approves new taxes.
Parliament also serves as the forum for criticism and the
focus of public opinion on national affairs.
To enable Parliament to undertake the responsibilities to
it fully and effectively, the Constitution confers certain
rights and legal immunities designated “Parliamentary
Privileges” upon Parliament. These privileges are enjoyed
by each House as a whole, and by individual members of Parliament.
Each House is empowered to regulate its own procedure; each
has exclusive control over its own proceedings, the validity
of which may not be questioned in any court; and each House
can punish for breaches of the privilege or “contempt”
of that House. Members of Parliament individually enjoy immunity
from civil and criminal proceedings in respect of things said
or done by them in Parliament, and the same immunity protects
other persons acting under the authority of either House.
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