Law Reform Commission Resources

Law reform commissions are independent, statutory bodies that review areas of law and make suggestions on how the law can be improved. Typically, a review (sometimes called an inquiry or reference) begins when the Attorney-General asks the commission to review an area of law.

As part of the review, the commission will undertake extensive research on the law, and consult widely with the legal profession, members of the public and other stakeholders. At the end of the review the commission publishes a report, or series of reports, with recommendations, which are tabled in Parliament. The recommendations are generally not binding.

Law reform commission reports can be very helpful in gaining insight into specific topics and finding one on a topic you're searching can be like striking gold. For further information, and to access law reform commission websites, see the Legal research guide.

Watch It!

30 Years of Law Reform by the Australian Law Reform Commission

Task: Try It Yourself!