Welcome

The Law Commission is the statutory independent body created by the Law Commissions Act 1965 to keep the law of England and Wales under review and to recommend reform where it is needed. The aim of the Commission is to ensure that the law is:

  • fair
  • modern
  • simple
  • cost effective

Latest news

  • Laws on Burial, Cremation and New Funerary Methods to be reviewed

    The Law Commission today announces details of its review of the law governing how we deal with the bodies of loved ones when they die. The project is being split into three strands : Burial law is governed by a patchwork of different legislation including different laws depending on who is responsible for a burial … Read more >

  • Law Commission to review defences in cases of domestic homicide

    woman crying

    The Law Commission today announces a new project that will review the use of defences in domestic homicide cases. The Law Commission has been asked to do this work by the Government in their response to Clare Wade KC’s Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review. Despite reform to partial defences to murder intended to recognise the context … Read more >

  • Professor Alison Young appointed as Public Law Commissioner

    The Government has today announced the appointment of Professor Alison Young as a new Commissioner at the Law Commission for a period of five years. Professor Alison Young will replace Nicholas Paines KC as the Commissioner for Public and Welsh Law. Alison will start on 18 March 2024. Professor Young will be crucial in contributing … Read more >

  • Review into 50-year-old laws on social care for disabled children

    Law Commission aims to simplify and strengthen the law, allowing children with disabilities to access the support they need. Review will ensure the law is fair, modern and accessible, works for parents, care givers and local authorities The law on children’s social care in England is governed by a patchwork of legislation, some dates back … Read more >

  • Law Commission welcomes new Non-Executive Board members

    The Law Commission is pleased to announce that Claire Bassett, Dr Hannah White and Baroness Shaista Gohir will be joining the Commission as Non-Executive Board Members. The new appointees will be essential in supporting the Commission to continue delivering effective law reform over the next three years.     Hannah White and Claire Bassett were appointed … Read more >