This dimension concerns the provisions by which laws are officially published and made available to any interested party. Open and effective access to laws is vital to understanding and applying the rule of law. Laws can only be properly implemented if they are accessible, predictable and clear.

Citizens are more likely to comply with laws that they know and understand. If people have efficient, effective and free access to laws, they are better positioned to exercise their legal rights, plan their actions, and efficiently resolve any problems and disputes that may arise.

This dimension concerns the provisions by which a proposal for a law that has gone through all stages of the legislative process and been approved by parliament finally becomes law. In most countries, proposals for laws adopted by parliament require the consent of, or signature by, the Head of State in order enter into force – a process known as “promulgation”.

This dimension concerns the principles of legislative drafting as they apply to all proposals for laws tabled in parliament, as well as to amendments to existing laws, delegated legislation and other legislative instruments.

This dimension concerns the processes for the passage of legislation, as reflected in the constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework, and as normally expanded upon in parliament’s rules of procedure. These processes should be clear, transparent and understandable, and should allow for the proper consideration and debate of legislation as it progresses through all stages.

This dimension concerns the process for making and amending the constitution. Constitution-making and amendment are distinct cases of law-making that usually involve special or additional requirements, such as passage by a supermajority of parliament, adoption by a majority of states or provinces in federal systems, and/or public approval.

This dimension concerns the powers of various participants in the legislative process to initiate, debate, amend and adopt legislation. These powers primarily concern MPs although, in some jurisdictions, other participants also have the right to initiate legislation, such as the executive and its agencies, or groups of citizens.

This dimension concerns document management systems that support the collection, categorization, analysis and storage of data and information, and their distribution and dissemination.

Document management is essential as it maintains a record of parliament’s work, provides the information MPs and staff need to conduct their business, enables parliament to keep the public informed about its work, and underpins parliament’s institutional memory.

This dimension concerns the digital technologies available to MPs and staff to support the conduct of their business, and to ensure public participation and access to information. For the purposes of this dimension, “digital technologies” refers to hardware, software, infrastructure and applications hosted both on the parliamentary premises and in the cloud.

This dimension concerns the facilities available to MPs and staff. These facilities can include office space, furniture, ICT infrastructure and other equipment available on the parliamentary premises and/or in constituencies. In some cases, they can also include housing, transportation and parking facilities, as well as catering, cleaning services and other household services. Protection services may also be provided. Increasingly, parliaments provide childcare facilities for MPs and staff with family responsibilities.

This dimension concerns the expert support available to parliamentary bodies and MPs to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making. Access to relevant, impartial and timely information from the parliamentary administration enhances the ability of the MPs to verify, clarify or even dispute executive sources, helps maintain the separation of powers, and improves the effectiveness of parliaments.