THE STORTING LEGISLATIVE PROCESS: PRAGMATISM OF SOLUTIONS AND THE QUALITY OF LAW

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of changes in the internal structure of the Storting and nature of the legislative process on the quality of laws passed. The authors point out the essential elements of this process in the Storting, but also in the pre-parliamentary phase, defining the legislative process more broadly than is traditionally done. They also emphasize the importance of consensus in political culture and political pragmatism in making high-quality laws. Both of these features are present in Norwegian parliamentarism and are its distinguishing features compared to other European countries. The amendment to the Basic Law of the Kingdom of Norway in 2007 established a unicameral structure of the Storting on pragmatic grounds. Contrary to the fears of some researchers and politicians, this has not resulted in a decrease in the quality of legislation, especially in the provisions of laws. At the same time, it has put in order and streamlined the legislative process in parliament, giving deputies the opportunity to focus on other matters related to fulfilling their mandate as representatives. The unicameral Storting is nowadays, in the unanimous opinion of researchers, one of the most efficiently and effectively functioning parliaments in Europe in carrying out its functions.