NCJ Number
91250
Date Published
1983
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the mechanics and accomplishments of recent law reform efforts in Canada.
Abstract
The Law Reform Commission of Canada, the provincial governments, the Solicitor General of Canada, and the Department of Justice have united their efforts under the Department of Justice in launching the criminal law review. This review, which covers the entire spectrum of the criminal justice system, is one of the most ambitious and fundamental projects in Canada's legal history. Justice Department officials are evaluating several reports submitted by the Law Reform Commission as part of phase II of the accelerated review. These reports will focus on theft and fraud, contempt of court, and jury reform, as well as legal aspects of mental disorder, and pretrial procedures. Some of the pressing problems will be addressed in the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, which will help reduce court delays, protect attorney-client privilege, ensure immunity of certain government documents to public exposure, and protect the privacy of accused persons. Other legislation is ready to be introduced in the next session of Parliament. This will include reform of the Divorce Act, sentencing reform, and obscenity legislation.