Categories
Legal Analysis Legal Professionals

Law Commission of England and Wales

Law Commission

The Law Commission of England and Wales stands as a cornerstone of legal reform in the United Kingdom, tasked with the continuous review and recommendation of changes to the law to ensure it remains fair, modern, simple, and cost-effective. Established by the Law Commissions Act 1965, this independent body operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Justice but conducts its work with autonomy, aiming to streamline and update the legal framework for the benefit of society.

The Law Commission Slogan is “Reforming the Law”

Purpose and Function

  • Law Review: The primary function of the Law Commission is to keep the law under review. This involves identifying areas where the law might be outdated, complex, or inefficient, and suggesting reforms.
  • Public Consultation: Before finalizing recommendations, the Commission engages in extensive public consultation. This democratic process ensures that stakeholders, from legal professionals to the general public, have an opportunity to influence the law’s direction.
  • Recommendations and Legislation: Following consultation, the Commission submits its recommendations to Parliament. These recommendations often lead to new legislation or amendments to existing laws, demonstrating the Commission’s significant impact on legal policy.
  • Projects: The Commission’s work spans across various legal domains including criminal law, property law, family law, among others. Each project is carefully selected based on necessity, impact, and feasibility.

From time to time we consult widely to help us draw up a new programme of law reform. The Law Commissions Act 1965 requires the Commission to submit “programmes for the examination of different branches of the law” to the Lord Chancellor for his approval before undertaking new work.

Before deciding which projects to take forward, the Law Commission takes views from judges, lawyers, Government Departments, the voluntary and business sectors, and the general public.

We also take on projects that are referred to us by Government Departments.

How We Work – The Law Commission

Structure and Governance

The Commission is led by a Chairman, currently Sir Peter Fraser, supported by four Commissioners, a Chief Executive, Non-Executive Board Members, and a team that includes legal experts, policy analysts, and research staff. This structure facilitates a multidisciplinary approach to law reform, ensuring that legal changes are both practical and theoretically sound.

  • Independence: While sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, the Commission’s independence is crucial. It operates free from political interference, allowing for impartial law reform.
  • Funding and Approval: The Law Commission’s work programs are approved by the Lord Chancellor, but day-to-day operations and project decisions remain within the Commission’s purview.

The Law Commission’s work is often behind the scenes but profoundly impacts everyday legal practices and public policy. Approximately 70% of its recommendations have been enacted or accepted by the government, showcasing its effectiveness in driving legal reform.

Public Perception and Engagement

Public engagement with the Law Commission’s initiatives, as reflected from discussions online, shows a mix of support for its efforts towards transparency and modernisation, alongside criticisms or concerns regarding specific reforms or government interactions with its recommendations. This dialogue underscores the Commission’s role not just as a reformer but also as a bridge between the public and the legal system.

Contact the Law Commission

Phone:  020 3334 0200
Email:  [email protected]
X (Twitter): @Law_Commission
Fax:  020 3334 0201
Address:  1st Floor, Tower, 52 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9AG

The Law Commission publish the latest news on their website.

The Law Commission of England and Wales is more than just a body for legal reform; it represents the evolving nature of law in response to societal changes. By continuously reviewing and suggesting changes, it plays a vital role in ensuring that the legal system remains relevant, accessible, and just. For anyone interested in the mechanics of law-making or the evolution of legal thought, understanding the Law Commission provides insight into how laws are not just created but are continuously refined for the contemporary world.

Check out our related articles on Law Society, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, Legal Ombudsman, Rule of Law, Open Justice and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

Latest Articles ↓

Most Popular ↓

You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

[post_title] was last updated on the 2nd June 2026

By Dom Watts

Dom Watts founded the Ministry of Injustice in July 2021. Dom is an IT Professional with 30+ years experience in Tier 1 Banking, Government, Defence, Healthcare and Global Blue Chips. Dom has no legal training and is not a lawyer but has previously consulted for a Magic Circle Law Firm. You can find Dom on X or Google.

Dom Watts publishes the Ministry of Injustice as a citizen journalist. The journalism exemption is detailed in the Data protection and journalism code of practice published by the ICO and Section 124 of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Section 2 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of truth. Section 3 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of honest opinion. Section 4 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of public interest. Section 8 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the single publication rule.

Section 4a of The Limitation Act 1980 defines the time limit for actions for defamation or malicious falsehood as one year from the date on which the cause of action accrued.

Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 gives the right to freedom of expression. "This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers."

"Free speech encompasses the right to offend, and indeed to abuse another." - Para 43 Scottow v CPS [2020] EWHC 3421 (Admin)

"Free speech is a fundamental common law right" - Para 21 R v Shayler [2002] UKHL 11 [2003] 1 AC 247 per Lord Bingham and Para 42 Phillips -v- Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs [2024] EWHC 32 (Admin)

Dom is a member of The Free Speech Union

“A key issue here is the need to distinguish between conduct which, however objectionable, does not justify invoking the criminal law and conduct which crosses the line and results in criminal liability" - Para 31 R v O’Neill [2016] EWCA Crim 92 [2016]

“Harassment is generally understood to involve improper oppressive and unreasonable conduct that is targeted at an individual and calculated to produce alarm and distress” - Para 38 R v O’Neill [2016] EWCA Crim 92 [2016]

"The behaviour said to amount to harassment must reach a level of seriousness passing beyond irritations, annoyances....The gravity of the misconduct must be of an order which would sustain criminal liability" - Paras [40-44] Hayden v Dickenson [2020] EWHC 3291 (QB)

"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything"

In 2002 Dom Watts was an unlikely consumer champion. The dad of three from Croydon took on the power and might of Kodak – and won...Dom on BBC Working Lunch

Rule of Law - Open Justice - Policing By Consent