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Commons second reading: Criminal Justice and Courts Bill

24 February 2014

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MPs debated the second reading of the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill in the House of Commons on Monday 24 February 2014

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling, opened the debate. Shadow Lord Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, Sadiq Khan, responded on behalf of the Opposition.

The Bill passed without a division and will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee.

Related information

Summary of the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill

The Bill seeks to make provision about how offenders are dealt with before and after conviction; to amend the offence of possession of extreme pornographic images; to make provision about the proceedings and powers of courts and tribunals; to make provision about judicial review; and for connected purposes.

Progress of the Bill

This Government Bill was presented to Parliament on 5 February 2014. This is known as the first reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.

Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

What happens at second reading?

At second reading the House debates the whole principle of the bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.

The Member in charge or the Minister moves the motion 'that the bill be now read a second time'. MPs then debate the bill.

At the end of the debate the Speaker determines whether there are any objections to the motion being debated and asks for the Ayes and Noes.

Members voice their opinion, and if no objections are made, the bill passes second reading without a vote. If the Speaker believes Members have voiced disagreement, a division is called and a vote taken.

What happens after second reading?

If the motion at second reading is agreed to, the Bill will go to a Public Bill Committee for consideration.

Watching proceedings from the public gallery

UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.

This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.