WHY A LAW REFORM BULLETIN?

Reform, Inform - the Rule of Law and the Role of Law Reform

Why a law reform bulletin?

This bulletin is designed to inform readers in an entirely informal way of developments relevant to the reform of the law in Australia. ... To escape irrelevance law reform must go out to the society it serves.

Thus the law must meet certain standards. The law must retain the confidence of the people and it must be accessible to them. It must be relevant and reflect contemporary Australian values.

The law has often been criticised for falling short of these ideals: it is too complicated, antiquated, unworkable, indecipherable, elitist etc.

For twenty years, the Australian Law Reform Commission has been striving to narrow this gap between the expectations of the public and the reality of the law.

To escape irrelevance law reform must go out to the society it serves.

Reform sets out the current operations of the ALRC. Concepts are put out into the market place of ideas and the process of public consultation is assisted. The ALRC is always interested in public comment, both with respect to particular references and with the on-going agenda of law reform.

Reform also acts as a clearinghouse for the work of other law reformers. As the federal law reform body, the ALRC receives information from all areas on all subjects. We aim to present a diverse and interesting selection for our readers.

The ALRC would like Reform to be as readable, useful and informative as possible. Your views about its content, presentation, or any aspect of its production and distribution are always welcome.

Alan Rose