LAWS 2508 ‑ Law Reform: Selected Problems

CREDIT HOURS: 3

This seminar will introduce students to the principles and processes that guide the reform of the law, using selected readings and presentations by guest lecturers and the professor to provide the foundation for a consideration of the processes, machinery and potential for law reform initiatives in areas of federal, provincial and/or municipal jurisdiction. Students will be introduced to approaches to law reform and will learn about the successes and failures of a number of recent law reform initiatives.The core of the course will involve a series of specific law reform projects selected by the professor, in consultation with the class, that will be undertaken in the class. Students will work in groups, leading in the development of one project. Students will also, individually, be assigned to comment on/critique aspects of a second project. Students will undertake group research and develop and present an issues paper on their law reform research project. Following the receipt of feedback, each group will then develop a legislative, regulatory or policy proposal to address the issues associated with their project, prepare background materials that support their approach and present their proposal to a panel. Students will also write a short commentary/critique of another group's issues paper. The course is intended to introduce students to the process of law reform and to provide a "hands-on" opportunity to undertake a specific law reform initiative. It is also intended to replicate the collaborative processes by which law reform is achieved, including research, policy development and group work. The course will enable students to participate directly in a process by which societal needs are identified and analyzed and in which law can be developed to address these needs. 

Prerequisite(s): None.
Co-requisite(s): None.
Assessment Method: This course does not meet the major paper requirement. Materials will be posted on blackboard. Assessment will be based on, an Issues paper 25% (group mark); presentation of issues paper 15% (group mark); Legislative/regulatory/policy proposal and background paper 25% (group mark); presentation of proposal 15% (group mark); critique of issues paper 10% (individual mark); class participation 10% (individual mark).
Restrictions: None.