Project No. 92

Commenced: 1997
Completed: 1999

The reference arose because of the increasing volume and complexity of demands on Western Australia’s judicial system and, in particular, increases in the time and resources consumed by the litigation process. It was felt that the laws, procedures and practices relating to criminal trials and civil litigation ought to be examined and the standards of, and requirements for, a fair and equitable judicial system (including trials and related court proceedings) must be maintained. The Commission was required to make recommendations to provide for a more accessible, less complex, faster and less expensive justice system.

This vast and complex topic is the most far-reaching reference the Commission has received in its 30 year history. Because the Commission had a relatively short time to complete its comprehensive review it was necessary to transform both the operations of the Commission and its approach to law reform.