Describe your idea:
For the UK central government, there is the Statute Law Database containing statutes in force. I wonder whether there is scope for a web-based database of local authority bylaws in force.
What problem does it solve?:
In the United States of America, where the government structure is more decentralized, largish cities usually have their ordinances codified and sometimes even online.
Here in the United Kingdom, things are more centralized, but local authorities can still make bylaws and orders. I have recently put in Freedom of Information requests for the local authorities in my area (Oxford). See website below for details.
Since ignorance of the law is no defence, it is really important that residents know what the bylaws in the area are.
Type of idea: A brand new project
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September 12th, 2009 at 5:48pm
Dr Tai’s requests for Oxford’s bylaws are available at:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/text_of_bylaws
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/bylaws_2
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/bylaws
I think bylaws ought be much more easily accessible than they are at the moment.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:57pm
I have done some very preliminary investigations here: http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Kaihsu/Bylaws_database