KK1: Reasons for Law Reform

law reform

the process of constantly updating and changing the law so it remains relevant and effective

reasons to change the law: changes in beliefs, values, and attitudes

• society beliefs, values and attitudes change over time

• for the law to remain relevant and acceptable to the majority of people must keep up with and reflect these changes

• however, rapid changes to the law may be met with resistance from the community

• the community is reluctant to believe in and obey laws that do not reflect their basic beliefs and standards

smoking in victoria example

reasons for change:

• society became aware if the serious health risks of smoking

• implemented to improve public health and to benefit the whole community

laws introduced:

• in 2007 the tobacco act was amended to prohibit smoking in enclosed public spaces

• later bans: outdoor dining areas, public venues, ect

impact:

• prohibited smoking in certain areas

• improved public health

• encouraged a shift in community attitudes - i.e. decreased the increase of smoking in victoria

lgbtqia+ people

past

reasons to change the law: changes in living conditions

• our laws need to be continually reformed to make sure they remain relevant and keep up with the changes in living conditions such as:

  • social conditions

  • economic conditions

  • international conditions

social conditions

• as australia’s population grows and changes, some laws needs to change to ensure we can live together peacefully and maintain our standard of living

• expected changes to our social structure: life expectancy and population increase

• can affect laws on:

  • health care, taxation, welfare payments, the environment

• some examples of law reform: online gambling, increases in reported domestic violence

changes in economic conditions

• australia’s economy is continually changing due to changes in technology and globalisation

• governments need to monitor and change laws that regulate buying, selling, abd production of goods and services

• workforce changes:

  • major shifts in how and where people work, especially after covid:

    • rise in remote work (work from home )

    • more part-time and casual employment

    • increased female participation

  • these trends pushed reforms in industrial relations

industrial relations example

changes in international conditions

• international shifts, terrorism, and refugee crises affect global stability, security, and these events can lead to:

  • change in migration laws

  • monitoring of goods and supply chains

  • stronger counter-terrorism laws

counter-terrorism laws

• the counter-terrorism legislation amendment act 2019 was passed to protect the australian community from threat of terrorism

greater need for protection of the community

• law reform must continually occur to make sure individuals and different groups are protected from harm

• ‘harm’ can include physical harm and emotional harm or economic harm

• some people in our community have specfic needs and rights that must be protected, especially if they are unable to protect themselves

• also animals and environment