Legal Measures and Their Analysis

Abstract

This chapter identifies the legal and other formal measures adopted by States for the achievement of objectives over the period covered by the investigation (1973–82), or adopted previously and in active operation during the period. These measures provide the basic data for analysis and comparison. The analysis was conducted using a standard scheme with six main elements: the general or specific character of the measure; its duration; its source in the legal hierarchy; its unilateral or bilateral character; its content; and the procedures associated with its operation. The analysis determines the incidence of general as against specific legal measures, of short-term against long-term ones, the frequency of amendment and substitution of legal measures, the incidence of ‘high-source’ (Parliament) as against ‘low-source’ (departments, Ministers) measures, etc.; and allows comparison of these profiles of legislation as between one country and another.