Legislative Drafting Guidelines

National and supranational drafting manuals, collected and converted to HTML.

97 guidelines · 69 jurisdictions · 33 with full text in HTML

Guidelines A–Z

97 guidelines

  1. Albania Law Drafting Manual – A Guide to the Legislative Process in Albania Ministry of Justice / Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania · drafting manual
    Current 2014 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  2. Argentina Decreto 333/1985 – Normas para la elaboración, redacción y diligenciamiento de los proyectos de actos y documentación administrativos Decree 333/1985 – Rules for the Preparation, Drafting and Processing of Draft Administrative and Normative Acts Poder Ejecutivo Nacional (Presidencia de la Nación) · drafting rules
    In force 2017 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  3. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ASEAN Guidelines on Good Regulatory Practices ASEAN Secretariat / ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) · regulatory policy guidelines
    Current 2017-09 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  4. Australia OPC Drafting Directions Office of Parliamentary Counsel (Commonwealth) · drafting directions
    Current — Source link only Original: PDF and DOCX (series) · Audit
  5. Australia OPC Drafting Manual Office of Parliamentary Counsel (Commonwealth) · drafting manual · 3.2
    Current 2019-07 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  6. Australia Plain English Manual Office of Parliamentary Counsel (Commonwealth) · style manual
    Current 2016-08-01 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  7. Austria Legistische Richtlinien 1990 Legislative Drafting Guidelines 1990 Bundeskanzleramt-Verfassungsdienst · drafting guidelines · 1990
    Dated 1990 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  8. Belgium Principes de technique législative – Guide de rédaction des textes législatifs et réglementaires Principles of Legislative Technique – Guide to Drafting Legislative and Regulatory Texts Conseil d'État / Raad van State (Section de législation) · drafting guide
    Current continuously updated online Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  9. Belgium Vade-mecum de la procédure d'avis devant la section de législation du Conseil d'État Vade-mecum of the Advisory Procedure before the Legislation Section of the Council of State Conseil d'État / Raad van State · procedural handbook
    Current 2021 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  10. Bosnia and Herzegovina Manual for Drafting Legislation (Technical Requirements and Style) Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina · drafting manual
    Unverified 2006 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  11. Brazil Decreto nº 12.002, de 22 de abril de 2024 Decree No. 12,002 of 22 April 2024 establishing rules for drafting, wording, amending, and consolidating normative acts Presidência da República (Casa Civil) · drafting rules
    In force 2024-04-22 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  12. Brazil Lei Complementar nº 95, de 26 de fevereiro de 1998 Complementary Law No. 95 of 1998 on the drafting, wording, amendment and consolidation of laws Congresso Nacional / Presidência da República · drafting law
    In force 2001-04-26 Full text in HTML Original: HTML · Audit
  13. Brazil Manual de Redação da Presidência da República Drafting Manual of the Presidency of the Republic Presidência da República (Casa Civil, Subchefia para Assuntos Jurídicos) · drafting manual · 3ª edição, revista, atualizada e ampliada (2018)
    Current 2018-12-27 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  14. Bulgaria Закон за нормативните актове Law on Normative Acts Народно събрание (National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria) · drafting law
    In force 2016-11-04 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  15. Canada Guide fédéral de jurilinguistique législative française Department of Justice Canada, Legislative Services Branch · drafting guide
    Current — Full text in HTML Original: HTML · Audit
  16. Canada Legistics Department of Justice Canada, Legislative Services Branch · drafting guide
    Current 2022-08-29 Full text in HTML Original: HTML · Audit
  17. Colombia Manual para la elaboración de textos normativos – Proyectos de decreto y resolución (Decreto 1345 de 2010 / Decreto 1081 de 2015) Manual for Drafting Normative Texts – Draft Decrees and Resolutions Presidencia de la República / Ministerio del Interior y de Justicia · drafting manual
    In force 2015-08-10 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  18. Commonwealth of Nations Commonwealth Legislative Drafting Manual Commonwealth Secretariat · drafting manual · 1st edition (ISBN 9781848599635)
    Current 2017 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  19. Council of Europe Rule of Law Checklist European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) · legislative quality checklist · CDL-AD(2016)007
    Current 2016-03-18 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  20. Croatia Jedinstvena metodološko-nomotehnička pravila za izradu akata koje donosi Hrvatski sabor Unified Methodological and Nomotechnical Rules for Drafting Acts Enacted by the Croatian Parliament Hrvatski sabor (Croatian Parliament) · drafting rules · NN 74/2015
    In force 2015-07-03 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  21. Cyprus Κατευθυντήριες Γραμμές για τη Σύνταξη Εθνικής Εναρμονιστικής Νομοθεσίας Guidelines for the Drafting of National Harmonising Legislation Νομική Υπηρεσία της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας (Law Office of the Republic of Cyprus) · drafting guidelines
    Current 2017-03-01 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  22. Czech Republic Legislativní pravidla vlády Legislative Rules of the Government Vláda České republiky (Legislative Council of the Government) · drafting rules · Consolidated text as of 1 July 2026
    In force 2026-07-01 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  23. Denmark Vejledning om lovkvalitet Guidance on the Quality of Legislation Justitsministeriet · drafting guidance
    Current 2023-11-23 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  24. Dominican Republic Manual de Técnica Legislativa Manual of Legislative Technique Senado de la República Dominicana · drafting manual
    Current 2022 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  25. Estonia Hea õigusloome ja normitehnika eeskiri (HÕNTE) Rules for Good Legislative Practice and Legislative Drafting Vabariigi Valitsus (Government of the Republic) / Justiits- ja Digiministeerium · drafting rules
    In force 2021-09 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  26. European Union Better Regulation Guidelines European Commission (Secretariat-General) · regulatory policy guidelines · SWD(2021) 305 final
    Current 2021-11-03 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  27. European Union How to write clearly European Commission (Directorate-General for Translation) · style guide · 2015
    Current 2015 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  28. European Union Interinstitutional Style Guide Publications Office of the European Union (Interinstitutional Style Guide Committee) · style guide · Online edition (continuously updated)
    Current continuously updated online Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  29. European Union Joint Handbook on the ordinary legislative procedure European Parliament and Council of the European Union · procedural handbook · November 2025
    Current 2025-11-28 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  30. European Union Joint Practical Guide of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission for persons involved in the drafting of European Union legislation European Parliament, Council of the European Union, European Commission · drafting guide · 2nd edition
    Current 2015 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  31. European Union Manual of precedents for acts established within the Council of the European Union General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (Legal-Linguistic Services) · drafting manual · SN 1250/10 (2010)
    Current 2010 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  32. Finland Lainkirjoittajan opas Legislative Drafting Guide Oikeusministeriö (Ministry of Justice) · drafting guide · 2013, version 1.3
    Current 2024-12 Full text in HTML Original: DOCX · Audit
  33. France Guide de légistique Guide to Legislative Drafting Secrétariat général du Gouvernement and Conseil d'État · drafting guide · 4e édition (2026)
    Current 2026-07 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  34. Georgia Law of Georgia on Normative Acts Parliament of Georgia / Legislative Herald of Georgia (Matsne) · drafting law
    In force 2018 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  35. Germany Handbuch der Rechtsförmlichkeit Manual on the Legal Form of Legislation Bundesministerium der Justiz · drafting manual · 4. Auflage
    Current 2024-10-31 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  36. Greece Εγχειρίδιο Μεθοδολογίας Κωδικοποίησης Manual of Codification Methodology Γενική Γραμματεία Νομικών και Κοινοβουλευτικών Θεμάτων (Presidency of the Government) · drafting manual
    Current 2022-10 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  37. Greece Εγχειρίδιο Νομοπαρασκευαστικής Μεθοδολογίας Manual of Legislative Drafting Methodology Γενική Γραμματεία της Κυβέρνησης (General Secretariat of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Presidency of the Government) · drafting manual
    Current 2022-10 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  38. Hong Kong SAR (China) Drafting Legislation in Hong Kong: A Guide to Styles and Practices Law Drafting Division, Department of Justice · drafting manual · January 2012
    Current 2012-01 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  39. Hong Kong SAR (China) How Legislation is Made in Hong Kong: A Drafter's View of the Process Law Drafting Division, Department of Justice · process guide · 2018
    Current 2018 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  40. Hungary 2010. évi CXXX. törvény a jogalkotásról Act CXXX of 2010 on Law-making Országgyűlés (National Assembly of Hungary) / Ministry of Justice · drafting law
    In force 2018-05-18 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  41. Hungary 61/2009. (XII. 14.) IRM rendelet a jogszabályszerkesztésről Decree 61/2009 (XII. 14.) IRM of the Minister of Justice and Law Enforcement on Legislative Drafting Igazságügyi és Rendészeti Minisztérium (Ministry of Justice) · drafting rules
    In force 2024 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  42. India Manual of Parliamentary Procedures in the Government of India Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislative Department (Ministry of Law and Justice) · process guide · Revised edition (2019/2025)
    Current 2025-08 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  43. Ireland Report on Statutory Drafting and Interpretation: Plain Language and the Law (LRC 61-2000) Law Reform Commission of Ireland · drafting report · LRC 61-2000 (December 2000)
    Dated 2000-12 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  44. Italy Regole e raccomandazioni per la formulazione tecnica dei testi legislativi Rules and Recommendations for the Technical Drafting of Legislative Texts Presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies; Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri · drafting rules
    In force 2001-04-20 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  45. Japan 法律案の審査・作成(内閣法制局) Examination and Drafting of Cabinet Bills (Cabinet Legislation Bureau) 内閣法制局 (Cabinet Legislation Bureau) · process guide
    Current continuously updated online Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  46. Jersey Current Drafting Practice Legislative Drafting Office, States Greffe · drafting manual
    Current 2022 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  47. Kenya A Guide to the Legislative Process in Kenya Kenya Law Reform Commission · process guide
    Unverified — Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  48. Latvia Normatīvo aktu projektu izstrādes rokasgrāmata Handbook on Drafting Normative Acts Valsts kanceleja (State Chancellery of Latvia) · drafting handbook
    Current 2021 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  49. Liberia Liberia Legislation Handbook – A Technical Guide to Legislative Drafting Legislature of Liberia / Law Reform Commission · drafting handbook
    Current 2016 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  50. Lithuania Teisės aktų projektų rengimo rekomendacijos Recommendations on the Drafting of Legal Acts Lietuvos Respublikos teisingumo ministras (Minister of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania) · drafting rules
    In force 2024 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  51. Luxembourg Guide pratique de légistique Practical Guide to Legislative Drafting Chambre des Députés · drafting guide · July 2024
    Current 2024-07 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  52. Mexico Lineamientos de Técnica Legislativa / Curso de Técnica Legislativa Legislative Technique Guidelines Cámara de Diputados del H. Congreso de la Unión (SEDIA / Centro de Estudios de Derecho e Investigaciones Parlamentarias) · drafting guide
    Dated 2006 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  53. Nauru Legislative Drafting Manual Department of Justice and Border Control, Legislative Drafting Division · drafting manual
    Unverified — Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  54. Netherlands Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving Instructions for Regulations Minister-President (Ministerie van Algemene Zaken) · drafting directions
    In force consolidated text on wetten.overheid.nl Full text in HTML Original: HTML · Audit
  55. New Zealand Legislation Guidelines: 2021 edition Legislation Design and Advisory Committee · legislative design guidelines · 2021 edition
    Current 2021 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  56. New Zealand Legislation Manual: Structure and Style (NZLC R35) Law Commission (Te Aka Matua o te Ture) · drafting manual
    Dated 1996 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  57. Nigeria National Legislative Drafting Guide National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly · drafting manual
    Current 2022 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  58. Norway Lovteknikk og lovforberedelse – Veiledning om lov- og forskriftsarbeid Legislative Technique and Preparation of Laws – Guidance on Legislative and Regulatory Work Justis- og beredskapsdepartementet, Lovavdelingen (Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Legislation Department) · drafting manual
    Current 2019 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  59. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Recommendation of the Council on Regulatory Policy and Governance OECD Council / Regulatory Policy Committee · regulatory policy guidelines · OECD/LEGAL/0390
    Current 2012-03-22 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  60. Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Guidelines on Democratic Lawmaking for Better Laws OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) · drafting guidelines · 1st edition (ISBN 978-83-66690-92-9)
    Current 2024-01-16 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  61. Pakistan Legislative Drafting Manual: A Hand Book for Legislative Drafters Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services · drafting manual · January 2019
    Current 2019-01 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  62. Peru Guía sobre la calidad normativa y publicación de proyectos normativos Guide on Regulatory Quality and Publication of Draft Normative Acts Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos (Dirección General de Desarrollo Normativo y Calidad Regulatoria) · drafting guide
    Current 2021 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  63. Peru Manual de Técnica Legislativa Manual of Legislative Technique Congreso de la República del Perú (Oficialía Mayor / Departamento de Investigación y Documentación Parlamentaria) · drafting manual · 3ª edición
    Current 2021 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  64. Poland Zasady techniki prawodawczej Principles of Legislative Technique Prezes Rady Ministrów (Prime Minister) · drafting rules · Consolidated text, Dz.U. 2026 poz. 300
    In force 2026-03-10 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  65. Portugal Guia Prático de Redação Legislativa – Regras de Legística na elaboração de atos normativos na Assembleia da República Practical Guide to Legislative Drafting – Legistics Rules in the Parliament of Portugal Assembleia da República (Divisão de Apoio ao Plenário / Serviços de Apoio às Comissões) · drafting guide
    Current 2020 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  66. Portugal Regras de legística a observar no processo legislativo do Governo (Anexo II à Resolução do Conselho de Ministros n.º 105/2025) Legistics Rules to be Observed in the Government's Legislative Process Presidência do Conselho de Ministros · drafting rules · RCM n.º 105/2025
    In force 2025-06-19 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  67. Qatar Drafting Legislation in the State of Qatar: Origins, Principles and Standards General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers · drafting manual
    Current 2022 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  68. Romania Legea nr. 24/2000 privind normele de tehnică legislativă pentru elaborarea actelor normative Law No. 24/2000 on the Rules of Legislative Technique for the Drafting of Normative Acts Parlamentul României / Consiliul Legislativ · drafting law
    In force 2024 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  69. Rwanda Imirongo Ngenderwaho y'Imyandikire y'Amategeko / Guidelines of Legislative Drafting / Lignes directrices de la légistique Guidelines of Legislative Drafting Rwanda Law Reform Commission (RLRC) / Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST) · drafting guidelines · 2022
    Current 2022 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  70. Scotland (United Kingdom) Drafting Matters! Parliamentary Counsel Office (Scottish Government) · drafting manual · 2nd edition (December 2018)
    Current 2018-12-17 Source link only Original: HTML · Audit
  71. Serbia Jedinstvena metodološka pravila za izradu propisa Unified Methodological Rules for Drafting Regulations Narodna skupština Republike Srbije (National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia) · drafting rules
    In force 2010 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  72. Singapore Plain Laws Understandable by Singaporeans (PLUS) Report and Drafting Guidelines Legislation Division, Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) · style guide
    Current 2024 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  73. Slovakia Legislatívne pravidlá vlády Slovenskej republiky Legislative Rules of the Government of the Slovak Republic Vláda Slovenskej republiky (Legislatívna rada vlády SR) · drafting rules · Consolidated text as of 25 September 2024
    In force 2024-09-25 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  74. Slovenia Nomotehnične smernice Legislative Drafting Guidelines Služba Vlade Republike Slovenije za zakonodajo (Government Office for Legislation) · drafting guidelines · 3., spremenjena in dopolnjena izdaja (2018)
    Current 2018 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  75. South Africa Law-Making in South Africa – A Practical Guide for Members of Parliament, Provincial Legislatures and Executives South African Legislative Sector (Parliament of the Republic of South Africa) · process guide
    Current 2021-12 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  76. South Korea 법령 입안·심사 기준 Standards for Legislative Drafting and Examination 법제처 (Ministry of Government Legislation, MOLEG) · drafting manual · 2026 edition
    Current 2026 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  77. Spain Directrices de técnica normativa Guidelines on Legislative Technique Consejo de Ministros (Ministerio de la Presidencia) · drafting guidelines
    In force 2005-07-22 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  78. Sweden Gröna boken – Riktlinjer för författningsskrivning (Ds 2014:1) The Green Book – Guidelines for Legislative Drafting (Ds 2014:1) Statsrådsberedningen, Regeringskansliet (Prime Minister's Office) · drafting guidelines · Ds 2014:1
    Current 2014-03-04 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  79. Sweden Myndigheternas föreskrifter – handbok i författningsskrivning Agency Regulations – Handbook on Drafting Regeringskansliet (Government Offices of Sweden) · drafting handbook · PM 2025:4
    Current 2025 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  80. Switzerland Gesetzestechnische Richtlinien des Bundes (GTR) Federal Legislative Drafting Guidelines Schweizerische Bundeskanzlei · drafting guidelines · Version 5 June 2026
    Current 2026-06-05 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  81. Tanzania Legislative Drafting Manual Office of the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman, Office of the Attorney General · drafting manual
    Current 2024-09 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  82. Uganda Manual for Guidance of Legislative Draftspersons in Uganda First Parliamentary Counsel, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs · drafting manual
    Dated 1996 Full text in HTML Original: DOC · Audit
  83. United Kingdom Amending bills: style manual Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (Cabinet Office) · style manual
    Current 2024-03-11 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  84. United Kingdom Common legislative solutions: a guide to tackling recurring policy issues in legislation Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (Cabinet Office) · instructing guidance · 23 October 2025
    Current 2025-10-23 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  85. United Kingdom Guide to Making Legislation Cabinet Office · process guide · 2022
    Unverified 2022 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  86. United Kingdom Office of the Parliamentary Counsel: Drafting guidance Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (Cabinet Office) · drafting guidance · 19 March 2024
    Current 2024-04-04 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  87. United Kingdom Statutory Instrument Practice Statutory Instrument Hub (Cabinet Office) and National Archives (SI Registrar) · drafting manual · 5th edition (November 2017)
    Current 2017-11 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  88. United Nations Final Clauses of Multilateral Treaties – Handbook United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, Treaty Section · drafting handbook · 2003
    Dated 2003 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  89. United Nations UNCITRAL Legislative Guide on Key Principles of a Business Registry United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) · legislative guide
    Current 2019 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  90. United Nations UNCITRAL Legislative Guide on Secured Transactions United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) · legislative guide
    Current 2010 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  91. United States Drafting Rules and Style Manual Uniform Law Commission (National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws) · drafting rules · 2025 edition (17 April 2025)
    Current 2025-04-17 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  92. United States HOLC Guide to Legislative Drafting Office of the Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives · drafting guide
    Current continuously updated online Full text in HTML Original: HTML · Audit
  93. United States House Legislative Counsel's Manual on Drafting Style Office of the Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives · style manual · HLC 104-1 (November 1995)
    Dated 1995-11 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  94. United States Legislative Drafting Manual Office of the Legislative Counsel, U.S. Senate · drafting manual · February 1997
    Dated 1997-02 Full text in HTML Original: PDF · Audit
  95. United States Quick Guide to Legislative Drafting Office of the Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives · drafting guide · June 2026
    Current 2026-06-10 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  96. Uruguay Manual de Técnica Legislativa / Manual de Redacción Legislativa Legislative Drafting Manual Parlamento del Uruguay / IMPO (Dirección Nacional de Impresiones y Publicaciones Oficiales) · drafting manual
    Current 2021 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit
  97. Wales (United Kingdom) Writing laws for Wales: guidance on drafting legislation Office of the Legislative Counsel (Welsh Government / Llywodraeth Cymru) · drafting guidance · May 2026 revision
    Current 2026-05 Source link only Original: PDF · Audit