Current Programme of Law Reform
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(Note: details of previous Programmes of Law Reform can be found on the Reports pages)
Eighth Programme of Law Reform (2010-14)
(Scot Law Com No. 220)
The Eighth Programme incorporates ongoing work from the previous programme as well as identifying new projects to be undertaken. It comprises a mix of short, medium and long term projects on which the Commission will work from the beginning of 2010 to the end of 2014. The programme has been approved by Scottish Ministers and laid before the Scottish Parliament (see Written Answer S3W-31752 of 12 February 2010). It was prepared following extensive consultation with the legal profession and other interested bodies. The Commission also sought views from the public about areas of the law in need of reform. Two of the new projects reflect suggestions made by consultees, and the scope of two projects being carried forward has also been changed significantly following comments by consultees.
Items in the Eighth Programme
Four projects are carried forward from the previous programme:
- Security over corporeal and incorporeal moveable property; assignation of incorporeal moveable property
- Trusts
- Judicial factors
- Homicide
In addition six new projects are identified:
- Criminal liability of partnerships
- Law of contract in light of the Draft Common Frame of Reference
- Adults with incapacity
- Compulsory purchase
- Heritable securities
- Prescription and corporeal moveable property
The Commission's other law reform work
In addition to its work under the Programme the Commission will continue to deal with requests for advice received from the Scottish Government and UK government departments. One topic currently referred to the Commission by Scottish Ministers is:
- Similar fact evidence and the Moorov doctrine
There is also an ongoing need for the Commission to respond to work being carried out by the Law Commission for England and Wales. From time to time this may involve the two Commissions undertaking a joint examination of a particular topic. Current topics include:
- Insurance law
- Level crossings
