Programmes of Law Reform

Fifth Programme of Law Reform

Approved by Government on 20 March 2019, the Fifth Programme initially included 15 projects, which have now been rationalised to 7 projects across key areas such as:

Criminal law and procedure
Civil liability and commercial law
Courts, public law and regulatory enforcement
Aspects of Family law (Recognition of Foreign Divorces only)
Land and Conveyancing law (Adverse Possession only)

Fourth Programme of Law Reform (2013 – 2019)

Approved in 2013, the Fourth Programme is now complete except for one project related to Third Party Litigation Funding which is nearing its conclusion and is included in the revised Fifth Programme of Law Reform. Highlights include:

Land law
Harmful communications and digital safety
Disclosure and discovery in criminal cases
Succession law
Regulatory enforcement and corporate offences

It also published consultative Issues Papers on other projects including:

Contempt of court and other offences involving the administration of justice
Accessibility and online publication of legislation

Third Programme of Law Reform (2008 – 2013)

Projects in the Third Programme of Law Reform included:

Mediation and Conciliation
Consolidation and Reform of the Courts Acts
Criminal Law:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Defences
- Inchoate offences
Law of Evidence:
- Hearsay
- Documentary evidence
- Expert evidence
Children and Family Relationships
Multi-Unit Apartment Developments
Regulation of Professional Home Care
Personal Insolvency
Consumer Insurance Contracts

Second Programme of Law Reform (2000–2008)

The Second Programme of Law Reform recommended reforms on:

Law on cohabitants (same-sex and opposite-sex couples)
Law regulating apartment complex management companies
Recommended development of a limited DNA Database

First Programme of Law Reform (1980s–1990s)

The First Programme of Law Reform recommended reforms on:

Removal of the concept of illegitimacy from law
Reform of criminal law, including:
- Confiscation of proceeds of crime