First Annual Report on Implementation of English Law Commission Recommendations

Last week, the Lord Chancellor presented the first annual report to the UK Parliament on the extent to which Law Commission proposals have been implemented by the Government.

The Lord Chancellor is the member of the British Cabinet responsible for the efficient running of the courts and protecting the independence of the judiciary.

As the report explains:

"The Law Commission Act 2009, which came into force on 12 January 2010, amends the Law Commissions Act 1965 to place a duty on the Lord Chancellor to report to Parliament each year on the extent to which Law Commission proposals have been implemented by the Government. This report covers the period 12 January 2010 to 11 January 2011. "

"The Law Commission Act 2009 also provides the statutory basis for the protocol between the Government and the Law Commission. The protocol was agreed in March 2010 and sets out how the Government and the Law Commission should work together on law reform projects. The Government is committed to ensuring that the law is modern, simple and accessible and holds the work of the Law Commission in very high regard. This report demonstrates that progress is being made to implement the excellent work of the Law Commission. "

The report indicates that Law Commission recommendations have been adopted in areas such as:

• rule against perpetuities (wills and trusts)
• third parties - rights against insurers
• murder and manslaughter
• trustee exemption clauses
• bribery