The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Legislative Drafting program provides an in-depth analysis of the principles underlying legislative drafting in common law jurisdictions and a thorough introduction to sound drafting practice. It is based on materials produced by the Commonwealth of Learning, an intergovernmental organization created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. The program materials are relevant to all jurisdictions using the parliamentary system and its legislative processes.
The Diploma will enable students to undertake their own drafting duties with greater skill and confidence. Students will be connected with a skilled peer group and an expert instructor, and they will work in independent study in their own jurisdictions. Additionally, students will participate in online drafting workshops, exercises, and discussions. This program is ideal for individuals early in their drafting career, those wishing to enter a drafting career, and individuals from all levels of government and non-governmental agencies or departments involved in planning and writing laws, bylaws, policies, and similar material. Most government drafting offices require their legislative counsel to have a law (JD or LLB) degree, and some also require them to be admitted to the practice of law in the jurisdiction they serve. The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Legislative Drafting therefore would not be a sufficient qualification on its own for employment in those offices.
