The role of law reform in the CJS Flashcards
what did the NSW Law Reform Commission state about law reform? ‘as society evolves; the law needs to change to reflect…
economic and technological developments, different social values and new concepts of justice
How can law be reformed?
legislation of by adaption of common law in courts
What bodies recommend law reform?
Law reform commissions
Parliamentary Committees
NGOs
Media
What bodies cause law reform?
UN
Parliament
Courts
IGOs
law reform is…
imperative to an effective CJS
what is the main purpose of parliament
to enact laws for society through acts or delegated legislation.
What are the agencies of Law reform
LRCs Parliament Courts Media NGOs
What are the agencies of Law reform
LRCs Parliament Courts Media NGOs
what does this T/C link strongly to?
The extent to which law reflects moral and ethical standards.
What conditions give rise to the need for law reform?
- A perceived failure of existing law
- Media pressure
- New tech
- New concepts of justice
- Changing social values and composition of society
- International law
What are the major law reform bodies?
ALRC, NSW LRC
Chief Justice’s Reform Committee.
What do the ALRC, NSW LRC
Chief Justice’s Reform Committee.
investigate and make recommendations regarding reform to the law.
How do courts reform law?
by creating common law and interpreting statutes
How can the UN instigate domestic law reform?
by developing new international law. If Aust ratifies a treaty/becomes party to a convention, law reform may be needed so the can fulfil their binding commitment
How can the UN instigate domestic law reform?
by developing new international law. If Aust ratifies a treaty/becomes party to a convention, law reform may be needed so the can fulfil their binding commitment
Is the ability of the courts to achieve law reform slow or fast>
SLOW and often minor. They have to first apply legislation, follow precedent and only make decision on the cases presented to them
Despite the ability of the courts to achieve law reform generally being slow and small what case highlighted that court decisions can have a profound influence on the CJS?
Dietrich v Queen (1992)
What was the case of Dietrich v Queen (1992) about?
conviction for several drug offences was overturned by High Court due to lack of adequate representation. Case established limited right to legal representation
What is the most relevant law reform commission for criminal law?
NSW LRC