Law reform

Question 1

What is the need for a law reform body?

Answer 1

Ensures that the laws is reformed when needed and kept in an accessible and manageable state, makes sure laws are kept up to date with changing society needs.

Question 2

What is the law commission?

Answer 2

Set up in 1965, full body body made up of a high court judge and 4 other law commissioners.

Question 3

What do they do?

Answer 3

1. Develop and reform the law.
2. Repeal out of date law.
3. Simplify and modernise law.

Question 4

How does it work?

Answer 4

Asked to consider certain areas old law or selects areas it believes need reform but must get the governments permission.

Question 5

What is the process?

Answer 5

1. Study current law and identify problems.
2. Issue a consultation paper which sets out what needs to be changed.
3. Given to lawyers who give responses.
4. Goes through legislation process.

Question 6

What is codification?

Answer 6

Brings together all the law on one topic into a code. No reforms of codification have ever been successful in being passed.

Question 7

What is consolidation?

Answer 7

Brings together law previously contained in several acts so they can all be found in one place. So it makes the law more accessible.

Question 8

What is repeal?

Answer 8

Identify old acts which are no longer used so parliament can repeal them. Over 3000 acts have been repealed.