Disadvantages of Law Reform Bodies A03

Question 1

What are the 4 disadvantages of law reform bodies

Answer 1

-Media
-Law commission
-Judicial reports & enquiries
-Pressure groups

Question 2

-P1: media can sensationalise issues causing public outrage

Answer 2

pressure on the govt → rushed legislation with errors

Question 3

-DP1: Dangerous Dogs Act

Answer 3

rushed and filled with errors, makes statutory interpretation more difficult

Question 4

+WDP1: media influences which issues receive priority

Answer 4

can increase public interest = more attention → quicker reforms

Question 5

-P2: law commission lack parliamentary time, political interest and resources

Answer 5

unsuccessful reforms, old laws with issues still actively being applied

Question 6

-DP2: no obligation for the govt to abide by the final report (example)

Answer 6

rejection of the Offences Against the Persons bill in 2015, antiquated 1861 bill still applied

Question 7

+WDP1: utilises expertise in various areas of law

Answer 7

can help modernise the law and bring it up to date with societal change

Question 8

-P3: doesn’t uphold SoP theory

Answer 8

judges role is to apply the law not make it = arguably undemocratic

Question 9

-DP3: very time consuming and expensive

Answer 9

leads to laws the need reform not happening - reduces public confidence

Question 10

+WDP3: expert knowledge on interests and causes

Answer 10

bring light to issues politicians may be unaware of = increased efficiency

Question 11

-P4: may not present a balanced argument

Answer 11

instead favour their own interest

Question 12

-DP4: can use undesirable tactics e.g:

Answer 12

animal rights activists using violence and intimidation - reduces fairness

Question 13

+WDP4: pressure groups are able to raise awareness of matters affecting their interest

Answer 13

gives the public a voice in the reform process