News

Following its recent introduction, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill passed its second reading in Parliament on Monday, with unanimous cross-party support. Significant aspects of the bill implement options and recommendations put forward by the Law Commission in its 2020 reports on enfranchisement and the right to manage. They include: reducing the price and costs … Read more >

A new book giving an “insider’s view” of how law reform really works in practice is published online today. “Inside Modern Law Reform” explains how the Law Commission carries out law reform and the history behind it. Outgoing Chair Sir Nicholas Green writes in his introduction to the book: “I have sought in this introduction … Read more >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

Consultation on whether electronic wills should be allowed in light of technological and societal developments, ensuring the law remains fit for purpose. Views sought on whether marriage or a civil partnership should continue to revoke a will, given concerns about predatory marriage and vulnerable people. Technological advancements and the effects of COVID-19 restrictions have made … Read more >

First-ever collaboration between Law Commission and the Criminal Law Reform Now Network to produce a scoping study looking into possible project on international cooperation in criminal law. Work will commence in autumn 2023, with publication of findings expected in 2024. In a new initiative, the Law Commission of England and Wales has invited the Criminal … Read more >

Law Commission publishes final recommendations to update the Arbitration Act 1996 and puts forward draft legislation. Commission advocates for maintaining the Act’s core principles while introducing improvements to help strengthen the UK’s position as a foremost destination for arbitration. Improvements include measures to strengthen arbitrator immunity, improve the efficiency of cases, and clarify powers of … Read more >