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‘Without the assistance of the Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC), the Victorian Parliament would be less able to make laws that reflect society’s values.’ To what extent do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 12 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 12
‘Without the assistance of the Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC), the Victorian Parliament would be less able to make laws that reflect society’s values.’ To wh... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Without the assistance of the Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC), the Victorian Parliament would be less able to make laws that reflect society’s values.’ To what extent do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 12 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
To what extent do you agree with the statement?
Answer
I largely agree with the statement that without the VLRC, the Victorian Parliament would struggle to make laws that accurately reflect society's values. The VLRC plays an essential role in advising the Parliament on potential legislative changes and ensuring that public opinion and ethical considerations are taken into account.
First, the VLRC conducts extensive research, including community consultations and evidence gathering, to assess the societal values regarding certain issues. This research is critical for informing the Parliament when drafting laws.
Second, the VLRC acts as a mediator between the public and the Parliament, ensuring that legislation is not only technically sound but also socially just. Their findings often direct the Parliament towards laws that have widespread acceptance and understanding within the community.
Step 2
What is the role of the VLRC?
Answer
The VLRC is responsible for investigating areas of law that require reform and proposing changes to ensure that legislation aligns with contemporary societal values. By reviewing existing laws and making recommendations, the VLRC helps the Parliament understand how laws can be shaped to better serve the evolving needs of society. For instance, it has addressed vital topics such as family violence and anti-discrimination laws, reflecting the changing attitudes and values within the community.
Step 3
What are the strengths and weaknesses of relying on the VLRC?
Answer
While the VLRC provides invaluable insights, one might argue that the Parliament has the responsibility to reflect society’s values independently. The strength of having the VLRC lies in its specialized focus, yet a potential weakness could arise if the VLRC's recommendations do not directly align with certain societal groups or perspectives that may be overlooked. It is crucial for the Parliament to balance the VLRC's proposals with a broader understanding of their constituents' views.