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Law Reform Worksheet

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Law Reform Worksheet

Explore why laws change, how people can influence reform, and how to judge whether a change is working. Read the case study before answering. Use evidence from it and your own reasoning.

Case study: A safer way to get around

Imagine that a regional town has a busy road beside its library and sports centre. Many people walk or cycle there, but the nearest pedestrian crossing is far away. Residents report near-misses, and a local access group says the route is especially difficult for people using wheelchairs. The town council asks residents for ideas and collects traffic data. It recommends a raised crossing, a lower speed limit and a review after one year. Because speed limits on that road are set under state law, the council sends its proposal to the state government. A parliamentary committee invites written submissions and holds a public hearing. After considering the evidence and community views, the state parliament passes an amendment to the relevant road rules. The change takes effect after signs are installed. One year later, officials compare traffic speeds and reported incidents with the earlier data. The review finds speeds have fallen, but some drivers still fail to stop for people waiting to cross.

Part 1 — Why laws change

Choose, explain and connect ideas from the case study.

1.What does law reform mean?

Changing or improving laws to respond to needs, evidence or changing values
Removing every law from a state
Making a law without any public authority
Changing laws only when technology changes

2.Select the two strongest reasons the town’s road rules might need reform, based on the case study.

Residents report near-misses and the crossing is far away
The town wants every road to look the same
The route creates access barriers for some people
A new political party has been elected

3.Match each law reform stage to what happens in the case study.

Gather evidence and identify a problem
Consult the community
Make the legal change
Review the change

Invite written submissions and hold a public hearing
Compare speeds and incidents after one year
State parliament passes an amendment
Collect traffic data and residents’ reports

4.Why does the council send its proposal to the state government rather than changing the road rules itself?

Part 2 — Test the change

A law can have good aims and still need careful evaluation. Look at what the review discovered.

5.True or false: Once parliament passes an amendment, there is no need to check whether it is working.

TrueFalse

6.Name one piece of evidence officials could use to judge whether the new rules have improved safety, and explain what it could show.

7.The review found that speeds fell, but some drivers still failed to stop. Is the reform completely successful, unsuccessful, or partly successful? Support your judgement with both a positive result and a remaining concern.

8.Fill in the blank: A parliamentary committee can help law reform by inviting evidence and from the public.

Part 3 — Make a case for reform

Use the scenario to plan a practical, evidence-based call for action.

9.Write a short submission to the parliamentary committee. State the change you support, give two reasons for it, and suggest one way to check later whether it works.

10.Create a campaign slogan encouraging residents to take part in the road-safety consultation. Then name one respectful action residents could take to influence decision-makers.