law reform

Question 1

law reform

Answer 1

process of updating , improving or changing laws to make them fairer and clearer

Question 2

4 main methods of law reform

Answer 2

law commission
royal commission
pressure groups
media and public opinions

Question 3

law commission

Answer 3

est- law commission act 1965
- independent body that reviews and suggests changes in law

Question 4

key features in law commission

Answer 4

researchers problems in the law
consults experts and the public
suggets reforms to parliament

Question 5

examples of success in law commission

Answer 5

coroners and justice act 2009,

abolished defence of provocation , replaced with loss of control

Question 6

examples of failure in law commissions

Answer 6

suggested reforming oapa 1861, but still hasn’t been fully reformed

Question 7

royal commissions

Answer 7

temp bodies , set up by gov, to investigate specific legal issues

Question 8

royal commissions weakness

Answer 8

expensive
- gov often ignores their reports

Question 9

pressure groups

Answer 9

campaign groups that push for legal change

weakness - some groups only push their own agenda , even if its unpopular

Question 10

media and public opinion

Answer 10

• media can influence parliament to change law

Question 11

media and public opinion example

Answer 11

Stephan Lawrence case, media pressure led to macpherson report , changed laws on police racism

Question 12

media and public opinion , weakness

Answer 12

media can exaggerate mislead , leading to rushed laws e.g dangerous dog act 1991

Question 13

advantages of law reform

Answer 13

• updates outdated laws
• involves experts and public consultation
• can reposed to public needs

Question 14

disadvtange to law reform

Answer 14

• government can ignore recommendations
• law reform takes too long ,( oapa 1861 still not reformed)
• media pressure can lead to rushed laws