Law reform is the process by which the law is examined, modified and shaped over time to better reflect the values that our society feels are important.

Academics play a significant role in this area of law by advocating that the legal system should respond to changing values and concerns within society and that the law should pro-actively resolve these concerns as they develop.

Law reform is generally carried out by law reform commissions or organisations. Academics are frequently involved with these commissions by providing research, analysis and opinion to them.

Academics can act as a legal check when the system finds itself on the wrong road.

Linked to law reform is the policymaking role of academics on other government committees and boards where they also assist in the creation of new laws by providing research, analysis and opinion to the lawmakers in parliament.