1. Law-making through parliament
Reforming the Law

2. Law Reform reasons for law reform
the ability and means by which individuals can influence law reform including through petitions, demonstrations and the use of the courts
the role of the media, including social media, in law reform

3. Reasons why laws may need to change
As people’s values and attitudes change over time, so should the law
Example: de facto relationships and same-sex couples
Changing values and attitudes
Buying habits, criminal habits, safety issues
Example: cyber bullying
Changes in society
New issues that may require new or amended laws to protect the community
Example: mobile phones and driving (pg 43)
Protection of the community
When rights are infringed and injustices unable to be resolved through the law, the law needs to change.
Protection of rights
Changing Values and Attitudes
Oscar’s law
2010 Debra Tranter rescued Oscar from a puppy farm.
2011 Domestic Animals Amendment (puppy Farm Enforcement and Other Matters) Act 2011 passed into legislation.
Provides more regulation over puppy farms.
This Act also amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic) to increase penalties for cruelty to animals.
DeFacto Relationships and Same-Sex Couples
Relationships Act (2008) Vic) establishes a register for the regulation of domestic relationships in Victoria. (irrespective of gender)
Feb 2012 two private members bills to legalise same-sex marriage were introduced into the Commonwealth Parliament. Labour party allowed a conscience vote on these bills but the Coalition did not. Both bills were defeated.
Changes in Society
Packaging – 100 yrs ago markets – feel, look
Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) – goods purchased must be of acceptable quality and reasonably fit for disclosed purposes.
Drunk and Disorderly
Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2011 (Vic) – licensee or member of police force can bar a person from entering or remaining on licensed premises.
Liquor Control Reform Amendment Act 2010 (Vic) – must make drinking water available.
Bullying
Crimes (Amendment)(Bullying) Act 2011 (Vic) – stalking, making threats, using abusive or offensive words.
Protection of the community
Crimes Amendment (Grooming) Act 2014 (Vic) protect children from grooming
Restrictions on parole
Corruption in betting
Gross vilolence (pg 44)
Protection of Rights
Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 (Cth)

4. Reasons why laws may need to change
Significant changes in many areas – computers, medical technology, Internet, science
Example: identity theft
Advances in technology
Improve people’s ability to gain access to the law to resolve disputes
Example: Koori Courts
Access to the law
Sometimes the law helps create changes in our own values (i.e. proactive in changing values, rather than being reactive to our changing values)
Example: anti-discrimination
Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
Generating changing values in society
Advances in Technology
Computers – Crimes Amendment (Identity Crime) Act 2009 (Vic) passed to overcome identity crime.
Gene Technology – who owns our genes? Patent Act 1990 (Cth) amended to reflect the wishes of the people.
Access to the Law
Vikctorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) – provides alternative avenues of dispute resolution eg Victorian Civil an Administrative Tribunal.
More mediation to try and resolve civil actions faster and with less expense. Judicial resolution conferences held before a civil case goes to trial
Pg 45
Generating Changing Values in Society.
Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities – seeks to educate
Equal Opportunities Amendment Act 2010 (Vic

5. Individuals and groups influencing change: Pressure Groups
Groups of people who join together because they have a particular common interest in trying to influence the government to change the law.
Often the sheer weight of numbers can lead to their demands being listened to.

6. Methods used to influence change: petitions
Formal written request for change with signatures
Need at least one signature
Forwarded to a local member of parliament to present at the next sitting of parliament
Parliament imposes rules on the form and content of petitions:
Must be addressed to only one house of parliament
Refers to a matter that is within the power of parliament to address
States the facts
Requests parliament to take action
Example: cruelty to animals (puppy farms petition)

7. Methods used to influence change: petitions

8. Methods used to influence change: demonstrations
Also known as protests or rallies
Group of people coming together to show support for change in the law in a public place
Usually requires a large group of people
Draws attention of the community, law-makers and the media
Examples: ‘bust the budget’ demonstrations, climate change

9. Methods used to influence change: media
Individuals and groups use the media to gain community awareness and support in alerting law-makers to the need for a change in the law
Media includes:
Newspapers
Radio
talkback shows
social media (e.g. Facebook)
Blogs
Websites
special interest reports
letters to the editor
Gains community awareness, support and the attention of MPs
Example: use of social media to promote changes to marriage laws

11. Evaluate the effectiveness of methods used by individuals to change the law