We are a small, trusted, independent body of legal policy experts. We carry out projects to ensure that the law and policy in a particular area is as fair, modern, simple and cost-effective as possible. We do this through intensive research, analysis and extensive consultation.
Sometimes the law is too complex and out of date, and needs to be simplified and modernised; sometimes, it has not kept pace with social attitudes and needs a fresh approach to balance competing rights; or new technologies emerge and need a comprehensive legal framework to be developed. Our consultations are wide-ranging, seeking views from the public, legal professionals, academics and interest groups.
Our independent status and wide consultations help us to build consensus on sensitive issues across different interest groups.
While much of our work comes from the public consultations we undertake in advance of our Programmes of Law Reform, we are able to take referrals from Government in‑between.
We have also created an online form that you can use to send us a suggestion for a law reform project – for more details see below
How we assess projects
When considering whether to take on a project, we look at the:
- impact on individuals, business, third sector and Government
- suitability of the Law Commission to carry out the work
- level of support from Ministers / Whitehall, the public, senior judiciary
- amount of short, medium and long-term work in progress
- balance of work across areas of the law, government departments and our own resources
Projects we cannot consider
While we want to hear a wide range of ideas, we are not able to consider proposals that involve:
- party political work – we cannot consider subjects that oppose current Government policy
- practical implementation of the law – such as whether a specific area needs more funding
- how the law applies to one individual – it must be a more general topic
- issues that only apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland – we cover England and Wales
Submitting your idea
You can submit your proposal online. We would recommend that you include as much information as possible when going through the online questions.
We will read your suggestion, and if we have any questions about it we may contact you in line with our GDPR policy.
We cannot commit to taking forward any proposal that you make, so you may also wish to write to your local MP and the relevant government department with your proposal.