Law Reform

Question 1

What is law reform?

Answer 1

Law reform is the process of changing the law to make it more current, correct defects, simplify it, or remedy injustice.

Question 2

Outline the conditions that give rise to law reform.

Answer 2

• changing social values, for example the acceptance of same sex marriage / relationships.
• New concepts of justice, if the law is unable to deliver just outcomes there is a need for law reform. These new concepts also reflect moral and practical considerations.
• New technology, places pressure on the law to stay current. Examples may include IVF, DNA testing, hacking, etc.

Question 3

Identify the agencies of law reform.

Answer 3

agencies = who is responsible for making change happen. Law reform issues are usually investigated by 1 of the following organizations :
- nsw law reform commission
- Australian law reform
- parliamentary committees
- the media
- non governmental organisations
- lobby groups ( trade unions ).

Question 4

Identify the mechanisms of law reform

Answer 4

The machinery that brings about changes in the law. Examples of mechanisms include :

• courts
• parliaments
• the United Nations
• intergovernmental organisation
• other agencies.