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 >

Views sought on electronic wills and the risks posed by predatory marriage

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 >

New collaboration on scoping study on international cooperation in criminal law

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 >

Improvements recommended to Arbitration Act 1996 to ensure UK position as international arbitration leader

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 >

Law Commission joins UK Boardroom Apprentice as host board for upcoming programme

Unique opportunity to join the Law Commission’s Board for a year. Aspiring applicants will gain insight into the Commission’s crucial work of making the law simpler and fairer for everyone. Applications for next year’s programme open today (Monday 4th September 2023). Law Commission joint Chief Executives, Joanna Otterburn and Stephanie Hack said: “As a consultative … Read more >

Government publishes Law Commission implementation report

The Government has recently published its regular report on the implementation of Law Commission proposals from January 2018 to January 2023.  The Law Commission has produced more than 350 sets of law reform recommendations since its creation in 1965, delivering practical benefits to the public, businesses, the third sector and the public sector. In this … Read more >