Projects

Each project is a discrete area of law or subject matter the Law Commission has agreed to review.

The Commission works on a number of projects at any point in time. Together they make up the Commission’s annual work programme as agreed with the Minister Responsible for the Law Commission by July each year. More information on projects >

Work Program for the Financial Year

Project

(R) - reference from the Minister

(S) - self referred

Publications

TR - Terms of Reference.
PP - Preliminary Paper.
SP - Study Paper.
MP - Miscellaneous Paper.
R - Report.
PR - Press Releases.
IP - Issues Paper.
OP - Occasional Paper.
L - Legislation.

Additional Notes

Search and Surveillance Powers (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Criminal Defences (Insanity and Infanticide) (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review Of Privacy (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review Of Maximum Penalties (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of the Land Transfer Act 1952 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of Civil List Act 1979 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of the law relating to private schools (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of Part 8 of the Crimes Act 1961 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Simplification of Criminal Procedure (including Name Suppression) (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of Prerogative Writs (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of War Pensions Act 1954 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Public Safety and Security (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of Regulatory Framework for the Sale and Supply of Liquor (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Compensation for Victims of Crime (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Monitoring of the Evidence Act (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of Official Information Act 1982 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of the Law of Trusts (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Alternative models for prosecuting and trying criminal cases (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of the Burial and Cremations Act 1964 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Law Relating to Civil Penalties (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of the Credit (Repossession) Act 1997 (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Review of the Judicature Act 1908 and Consolidation of Courts Legislation (R)

Status: Work in Progress

Statement_of_Intent_2010-2011.pdf (PDF, 696 KB)

Information on Law Commission Projects

A project can arise either from referral from the Minister, a request from another state agency or from self-referral by the Commission.

Terms of reference provide framework for each project. Following the necessary research, discussion and consultation, the Commission normally produces one of four publications.

Publication Types:

Preliminary Paper - This is a discussion paper identifying issues on which interested parties are invited to make submissions;
Study Paper - A study paper is usually a research paper expressing the Commission's view on a particular area of the law. It does not include policy recommendations;
Miscellaneous Paper - This contains the findings of research done on specific topics; and
Report - A Commission report follows a consultation process and contains the final research and analysis, policy proposals and legislative recommendations in relation to a major law reform project. Often a report will include draft legislation that captures the reform recommendations. The Commission's Annual Report is also included within this series.
Issues Paper - This is a discussion paper that identifies issues, asks questions and/or presents proposals upon which interested parties are invited to make submissions.
Occasional Paper - This publication category will usually deal with specific topics that may or may not be on the Commission's current work programme. It may include documents that have been researched and written within the Commission or they could be the work of a person or organisation engaged by the Commission. This category may include relevant correspondence and/or comment on a topic.
Legislation - This category includes draft legislation relevant to the Commission's current work programme or past reports. It may also include relevant comment on legislation that is out for consultation and feedback.
Corporate Paper - These are papers relating to the Commission’s corporate management and responsibilities e.g. the Statement of Intent.

A Preliminary Paper is usually followed by a report.

All Reports published by the Commission are tabled in Parliament. Within six months after tabling, the Government provides its response to the recommendations in the report.