User:Kaihsu/Bylaws database

= Bylaws database for British local authorities = Presentation at the Free Legal Web Barcamp, 2008-10-18.

American databases
In the United States of America, where the government structure is more decentralized, largish cities usually have their ordinances codified and sometimes even online. For example, the San Diego Municipal Code.

Monrovia, California, Code of Ordinances § 1.04.010(K): Or, and. “Or” may be read “and,” and “and” may be read “or” if the sense requires it.

British idea
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:
 * Oxfordshire County Council: Constitution; Oxfordshire list of bylaws; Oxfordshire text of bylaws; Oxfordshire County Council Byelaw on the Employment of Children 1998.
 * Oxford City Council: Constitution; Oxford list of bylaws; Oxford text of bylaws; Oxford City Council Bylaws.

In addition, there are orders under other statutory provisions, for example &lsquo;controlled drinking zones&rsquo; under section 13(2) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001: City of Oxford Alcohol in Public Places Order 2006; text of City of Oxford Alcohol in Public Places Order 2006.

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.

Section 27 of Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand)
Section 27 of Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand) (No copyright in certain works).

Update: Communication with my Member of Parliament and relay of ministerial correspondence revealed that the Open Government Licence now exists in the United Kingdom. – Kaihsu 18:46, 21 November 2011 (UTC)