Topic 2 (Law Reform)

• What are laws?

  A system of rules which countries or communities recognise as regulating the actions of citizens
• Why would laws need to be changed?

  Can be changed due to

  • Society changes
  • Change of government (legal reasons)
  • Pressure
• What are formal law reform bodies?


  Law reform bodies are independent bodies that review areas of law and consider suggestions for law reform.
• What is Law Reform?


  The process of making changes or improvements to existing laws.
• What is the role of a law reform body?

  They talk to everyone and create an answer for the government.
• What is a pressure group?


  People that come together to influence public policy of a cause (for example, media)
• What is a commission?


  An independent public inquiry
• What is an inquiry?


  A legal process which is started with an aim of clearance of doubt, finding out the truth or development of knowledge regarding the case.
• What is lobbying?


  An attempt to influence the decision-making of a government or opposition representative in the exercise of their official functions on behalf of a third party, for a fee or other reward
• What is advocacy?


  The practice of presenting a clients case to a court of tribunal
• What is utilitarianism?


  A theory of morality that advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and oppose actions that cause unhappiness or harm
• What are terms of reference?

  Terms of reference (TOR) define the purpose and structures of a project, committee, meeting, negotiation, or any similar collection of people who have agreed to work together to accomplish a shared goal.
• What is a consultation?


  A chance for prospective clients with legal needs to meet and discuss their legal needs with the attorney
• What are issue papers?


  The paper includes questions that people can use as a basis for their submission or consultation discussions
• What is a submission?


  Your opportunity to argue your case.

  Allows you to tell the court about the offense, your circumstances and what penalty you would like the court to consider.