Status of the Bill

There are two types of laws in Guyana, common law and statute law. Common law is made by the decisions of judges in court cases. Statute law, or law of the land, is made by Parliament. A legal proposal introduced in the National Assembly is called a bill According to the Constitution, any member of the National Assembly may introduce a bill in the Assembly. However, most bills are sponsored by the Government. Bills relating to the national budget, taxation and other financial matters require the recommendation or consent of the Cabinet.