Legislation

Throughout this knowledge module, reference to certain provisions or sections of a piece of legislation, part of a legal judgment, or aspect of a practice does not imply that the legislation, judgment, or practice is considered in its entirety to be a good example or a promising practice.

Some of the laws cited herein may contain provisions which authorize the death penalty. In light of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions 62/14963/16865/206, and 67/176 calling for a moratorium on and ultimate abolition of capital punishment, the death penalty should not be included in sentencing provisions for crimes of violence against women and girls.

Other Provisions Related to Domestic Violence LawsResources for Developing Legislation on Domestic Violence
Sexual Harassment in Sport Tools for Drafting Sexual Harassment Laws and Policies
Immigration Provisions Resources for developing legislation on sex trafficking of women and girls
Child Protection Provisions Resources on Forced and Child Marriage
Other provisions related to dowry-related and domestic violence laws
Related Tools

Drafting the legislative preamble

Last edited: January 27, 2011

This content is available in

Options
Options

The legislative preamble sets the stage for the entire piece of legislation. The following elements are important to a strong and inclusive legislative preamble:

  • IT states that everyone has the right to personal liberty and security (ICCPR, Art. 9(1))
  • IT states that everyone is entitled to equal rights and responsibilities as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. (See: Convention of Civil and Political Rights , Art. 23 (hereinafter ICCPR) and CEDAW, Art. 16)
  • IT recognizes that every child has the right to a “standard of living adequate for the child's physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development” (Convention on the Rights of the Child, Art. 27(1))