NCJ Number
75182
Date Published
1980
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This report covers the activities of the Law Reform Commission of Canada from June 1, 1979 to May 31, 1980, and describes the Commission's activities in keeping Canada's Federal law consistent with the changing needs of society.
Abstract
The Commission was established by an act of Parliament to constantly review the Federal laws of Canada and make recommendations to courts and legislative bodies concerning the improvement and modernization of the laws. Among the specific statutory mandates of the Commission are provisions requiring that special programs of study be submitted to the Minister of Justice for approval, covering particular laws or branches of law; that once approved, the studies be carried out, using technical information and other assistance of other departments in the Federal Government; and that reports on the results of each study be reported to the Minister of Justice. During this reporting period, the Commission held 14 formal meetings, more than twice the statutorily required number of 6. Reports on advisory and investigatory commissions and judicial review in the Federal courts were submitted to the Minister of Justice. Working papers dealing with sterilization, independent administrative agencies, medical treatment and criminal law, and juries in criminal trials were also completed. Special projects concerning administrative law, criminal law, and protection of life were also undertaken by the Commission. Despite the retirement of two of the five Commission members, the Commission managed to continue liaison activities with other branches of the government as well as receive a number of important judicial visitors from Canada and other countries. Lists of reports and publications issued by the Commission and cited in judicial decisions and a list of consultants who worked for the Commission are appended.