law reform agencies

• What is the primary function of law reform agencies?

  To pressure parliament to change the law
• What is the name of the only full-time law reform body in the UK?

  The Law Commission
• When was the Law Commission established?

  1965
• Who makes up the Law Commission?

  5 members from judiciary, legal profession, academics
• Who is the chairperson of the Law Commission?

  A High Court judge
• What is the term length for the chairperson of the Law Commission?

  5 years
• Who assists the Law Commission?

  Civil servants, research assistants, law graduates
• What are pressure groups?

  Organizations that influence law and policy
• What tactics do pressure groups use to influence parliament?

  Letter writing, protests, lobbying, petitions
• What are interest groups also known as?

  Sectional groups
• What do interest groups represent?

  A particular selection of society
• Give an example of an interest group.

  Law Society
• What are cause groups based on?

  Shared attitudes or values
• What is a goal of cause groups?

  To advance various social causes
• Give an example of a cause group.

  Greenpeace
• What are the pros and cons of pressure groups?

  Pros:

  • Enhance democracy
  • Facilitate public discussion
  • Specialist knowledge
  • Political responsiveness
  • Freedom of expression
  • Raise public awareness

  
  

  Cons:

  • One-sided views
  • Distorted information
  • Undemocratic actions
  • Advocacy for illegal actions
• What is a Royal Commission?

  A formal public inquiry body
• What are public inquiries?

  Investigations into public issues