A legislator (or lawmaker) is a person who writes and passes laws, especially someone who is a member of a legislature. Legislators are usually politicians and are often elected by the people. Legislatures may be supra-national (for example, the United Nations General Assembly), national (for example, the US Congress), regional (for example, the Scottish Parliament) or local (for example, local authorities).

The political theory of the separation of powers requires legislators to be different individuals from the members of the executive and the judiciary. Certain political systems adhere to this principle, others do not. In the UK, for example, the executive is formed almost exclusively from legislators (members of Parliament) although the judiciary is mostly independent (the Lord Chancellor uniquely is a legislator, a member of the executive (indeed, the Cabinet), and a judge).

In French jurisprudence and legal discussion, "the legislator" (le législateur) is the abstract entity which has produced the laws. When there is room for interpretation, the intents of the legislator will be questioned, and the court is supposed to rule in the direction that it judges to fit the legislative intent the best — which can be uneasy, in the case of conflicting laws or constitutional provisions.

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News from www.lacrossetribune.com

Proposed city budget includes 1.7% levy hike
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:33:33 -0500
Mayor Mark Johnsrud introduced a $68.7 million operating budget for 2009 Monday that absorbs swelling energy costs, increased debt commitments and union wage hikes.
McCain to be in La Crosse on Friday
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:45:12 -0500
Republican presidential candidate John McCain will make a campaign stop in La Crosse on Friday, sources have confirmed to the Tribune.
Thrift shops thrive in economic downturn
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:33:35 -0500
Forget about the outdated notion of thrift shops as the refuge of the working poor, the down-and-out or the vintage fashion hipster. In these troubled times, the powerful lure of a secondhand retail bargain is attracting a whole new breed of customer.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette Latest Headlines

A.M. roundup: High of 65 today gas prices flights pollen
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:25:00 -0600
Today: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Southeast wind between 9 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
More people struggle to meet their needs
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:42:00 -0600
The percentage of the Green Bay-area population struggling to afford housing, food and other necessities has increased since 1990 and 2000, according to a new survey by the Brown County United Way.
90th Assembly candidates wrangle over education
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:40:00 -0600
Education took the spotlight Monday during a forum for candidates of the states 90th Assembly District.

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