Understanding Law Reform

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. What is the best definition of law reform?

The process of reviewing and changing laws to reflect current community needs

Making laws that never change

Only court decisions that punish criminals

2. Which factor commonly influences law reform in Australia?

Changes in social values and public opinion

The colour of government buildings

The length of school holidays

3. Which of the following is a recent Australian law reform example?

Marriage Equality Act 2017

Introduction of the Euro as currency

Repeal of the metric system

4. Check all processes that can lead to law reform:

Parliament passing new legislation

Court decisions or judicial interpretation

Public opinion and community campaigns

Scientific or technological developments that raise new issues

5. In one sentence, explain why it is important for laws to change over time.

6. Give one example of a Queensland or Australian law reform (name the reform) and briefly state the societal change that prompted it.

7. Write an investigative question you could explore in this unit about how law reform happens (e.g. "How do courts contribute to law reform?").

8. Match the catalyst for reform (left) with an Australian law reform example (right). Draw lines between the columns.

A. Shift in public opinion

B. Legal challenges and court rulings

C. Technological advances affecting privacy

D. Recognition of Indigenous rights

1. Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation

2. Marriage Equality Act 2017

3. Privacy and cyberlaw updates

4. Aboriginal Land Rights reforms