Formal Pressures for Changing
the Law
VICTORIAN LAW REFORM COMMISSION
(VLRC)
Formal Pressures to change the law
 One way in which parliament can respond to informal
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pressures for change is to refer the matter to a formal law
body.
This body can undertake a detailed investigation into the
need for a change in the law.
A formal law reform body can assess community
attitudes and opinions, and report about the need for
change.
However, this body only makes recommendations for
action. If the recommendations are accepted, parliament
will change the law.
E.g. Of a FORMAL LAW REFORM BODY is the
VICTORIAN LAW REFORM COMMISSION (VLRC)
Victorian Law Reform Commission
 The Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC) was
established in 2001 by the Victorian Law Reform
Commission Act 2000 (Vic.).
 The VLRC is an independent, government funded body
responsible for developing, monitoring and coordinating
law reform activity in Victoria.
Victorian Law Reform Commission Inquiries
Current Projects
Completed Projects
Surveillance in Public Places
Defences to Homicide
Guardianship
Family Violence
Property
Sexual Offences
Child Protection
Abortion
Disputes between co-owners
Treatment of people with intellectual
disabilities
Bail
Group Work
 You will be divided into groups of three:
 Create a poster of the:
- ROLE,
- Process,
- Case file on the VRLC’s investigation into the
-
abortion act- what issues were considered
Why did the law need to be changed
Reviewing the process
community views
Recommendations
Practice Exam Question
Abortion Legislation in
Victoria
In August 2008 the Victorian Government
introduced changes to parliament in order
to legalise abortion. Under the change,
abortions are regulated like any other
medical procedure for women up until their
24th week of pregnancy. After 24 weeks
gestation an abortion can be obtained with
the consent of two doctors if they believe it
to be appropriate in the circumstances.
This change followed years to debate as to
whether to legalise abortion. The VLRC
investigated the issue thoroughly and
released its recommendations for change.
Pressure groups engaged in a range of
actions to voice their opinions. Thousands
of people from both sides of the debate
participated in demonstrations and
protests. A number of petitions were
circulated via the internet and on paper.
The media, particularly electronic media,
was used to discuss issues.
Questions:
1a) Explain two reasons why a
law may need to be changed,
with use of examples for each.
1b) Describe the role and
function of the VLRC in
assessing the need for a
change in the law, such as this
one.
1c) Select ONE of the means
used by individuals and
groups to influence a change
in abortion law referred to in
the case study. Describe the
methods and evaluate its
effectiveness in influencing
legislative change.