Legal Definitions - soit baile aux commons

Soit baile aux commons is a formal phrase, originating from Law French, which translates to "Let it be delivered to the commons." In the context of the UK Parliament, it serves as an official endorsement on a legislative bill, signifying that the bill has been formally transmitted from the House of Lords to the House of Commons for its consideration and debate.

This phrase marks a crucial procedural step in the legislative process, indicating that a bill has completed its passage through the House of Lords and is now ready to undergo scrutiny, amendment, and voting by the Members of Parliament in the House of Commons.

• Example 1: Imagine a new bill focused on reforming the national healthcare system. This bill is initially introduced and thoroughly debated within the House of Lords, where various amendments are proposed and voted upon by peers. Once the House of Lords has completed its entire review and formally approved the bill, the endorsement "soit baile aux commons" would be added. This action officially signals that the bill is now being sent to the House of Commons, where elected Members of Parliament will begin their own process of examining, discussing, and potentially amending the proposed legislation.

• Example 2: Consider a detailed piece of environmental legislation that begins its journey in the House of Lords, perhaps due to the specialized expertise of many peers in that chamber. After successfully navigating all stages of debate, committee review, and votes within the Lords, the bill is ready to move to the lower house. Before it can be formally introduced for its first reading in the House of Commons, the procedural step of endorsing it with "soit baile aux commons" takes place. This confirms that the bill has completed its passage through the upper house and is now officially handed over to the Commons for their legislative process.

• Example 3: A private peer in the House of Lords introduces a bill aimed at updating specific aspects of corporate governance. After extensive debate, public consultation, and several amendments, the House of Lords ultimately passes the bill. To progress this private member's bill further towards becoming law, it must be considered by the elected representatives in the House of Commons. The endorsement "soit baile aux commons" is applied to the bill, formally documenting its transfer and signaling that it is now awaiting consideration by the Commons, where it will undergo its next set of legislative stages.