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May 2011 Issue
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Uni's key role in law reform

 Law

A new South Australian Law Reform Institute has been established in a collaboration between the University of Adelaide, the State Attorney-General's Department and the Law Society of SA.

The Attorney-General, the Hon. John Rau, said the Institute will assist in the streamlining of South Australian laws and management of justice in this state.

South Australia hasn't had a Law Reform Commission since the late 1980s and is the only jurisdiction in Australia not to have one.

"The South Australian Law Reform Institute, and its members, will play a key role in improving the administration of justice in South Australia," Mr Rau said.

"The Institute will help modernise, simplify and consolidate laws and the administration of the justice system and, in doing so, improve access to justice for the community.

"The Institute's work will also lead to the repeal of laws that are obsolete or unnecessary for the community today.

"In addition, the new body will consult and collaborate with law reform agencies in other states and territories on proposals to reform laws in other jurisdictions or within the Commonwealth."

Professor James McWha, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, said he welcomed the establishment of the new Law Reform Institute, which recognised the University's 127-year leadership in the area of legal education and research in this State.

"The University is renowned for the quality of its legal scholarship and has contributed to the development of the law in Australia and beyond. The new institute will complement our prestigious Law School and provide integrated learning opportunities for students at the undergraduate and postgraduate level," Professor McWha said.

"Law reform helps us look well beyond where we are today. We want to look to the future and the needs of our changing community. The institute will allow us to explore our legal framework and seek opportunities to improve it for the good of all South Australians.

"The new Law Reform Institute will provide a much-needed service to the State and the people of South Australia.

"It will strengthen ties between the Adelaide Law School, Attorney-General's Department and the Profession."

The Dean of the Law School, Professor John Williams, said: "A unique aspect of the Institute is its relationship to an elective course, Law Reform, in the undergraduate law degree. Students will work closely on law reform projects and assist in the preparation of reports."

The South Australian Law Reform Institute is governed by an Advisory Board, which will consider, recommend and review proposals for projects to be undertaken by the Institute. The Advisory Board held its first meeting in April.

www.law.adelaide.edu.au

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