The English Law Commission: A New Philosophy of Law Reform

Mr. Sutton discusses the newly formed English Law Commission in an effort to present constructive suggestions for the establishment and maintenance of effective law revision programs for other jurisdictions. He examines the structure of the English commission and points out that the qualities of flexibility, independence, and opportunity for early compromise of its proposals with legislators are essential for a successful law revision commission. The author concludes that the major value to be gained from the English commission is its adoption of a new philosophy of law reform--give the commission sufficient latitude to enable it to stimulate advanced legislation.