This page explains law reform commissions and how many of their reports can be useful research resources, particularly for interpretation of legisation.
Law reform commissions or institutes are independent bodies that study and produce reports and recommendations in respect of specific legal topics that may be candidates for reform. They may act in close consultation with the legal profession and legislative counsel of governments.
Law reform reports and working papers are useful for background information on a topic; the history or purpose of enacted legislation; comparative analysis of legislation or legislative gaps; persuasive analysis and recommendations about reform of the law in the area; and perhaps draft legislation.
Australia
Other jurisdictions
Consult the Alberta Law Reform Institute's comprehensive list of law reform bodies in other countries.
Ask us