Individuals in Law Reform

Question 1

What are 4 reasons for law reform

Answer 1

1. Change in community values
2. Advancements in technology
3. Needs of government departments
4. Legal system expectations

Question 2

Define Law reform

Answer 2

Law reform is the process of developing the law to better reflect the views and values of society.

Question 3

What are the methods for individuals to influence law (3)

Answer 3

1. Petitions
2. Demonstrations
3. Use of the courts

Question 4

Define Petitions and how are they brought to the parliament

Answer 4

Petitions are a formal written request made to the parliament or government to take action on an issue. A petition can be brought to the parliament by a MP who has decided to listen to the views of people in their electorate.

Question 5

Define Demonstrations

Answer 5

Demonstrations are groups of individuals that voice their disapproval of specific areas of law through protests, marches or rallies.

Question 6

ADV (2) of Petitions

Answer 6

ADV

1. If petitions receive a large number of signatures, they can be highly influential
2. Petitions can be online, allowing for a greater scope of people to see the petition, creating a broader and wider awareness, which can contribute to changing legislation

Question 7

DISADV (2) of Petitions

Answer 7

DISADV

1. There is a dependence on MP’s as a petition can have as many signatures as it gets, however the influence that it has in parliament and on society is dependent on if the MP tables it.
2. If there are counter-petitions it means that the petition ‘for’ something may have a similar petition going ‘against’ it. This can reduce the impact of one petition as there are rebuttals and also highlights that there are people against the cause.

Question 8

ADV (2) of Demonstrations

Answer 8

ADV

1. Demonstrations that are large in scale are more likely to gain media attention and the awareness of the public
2. Influence election policies of the MP’s, as candidates are more likely to adjust their policies to fit the cause of the public

Question 9

DISADV (2) of Demonstrations

Answer 9

DISADV

1. Demonstrations must be in large groups in order to attract significant attention from the media and other people, otherwise they are ineffective.
2. Coordination can also be difficult and time consuming to organise and carry out

Question 10

ADV (2) of of Using the Courts

Answer 10

ADV

1. Courts are likely to gain large amounts of attention from the media which can help with gaining support
2. Ability to influence election policies for candidates

Question 11

DISADV (2) of Using the Courts

Answer 11

DISADV

1. Costly and time consuming to go through
2. The individual bringing the case to the court must provide evidence that they have standing and also sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.