The Law Reform Commission of Western Australia (the Commission) is a government agency responsible to the Attorney General. It reviews areas of law in need of reform and makes recommendations as to how the law should be changed. On 26 April 2005 the Commission received a reference from the Attorney General to examine and report upon the law of homicide and to give consideration to:
(i)
the distinction between wilful murder and murder;
(ii)
the defences to homicide, including self-defence and provocation;
(iii)
current penalty provisions relating to the law of homicide; and
(iv)
any related matter.
The Commission was also asked to report upon the adequacy of the existing laws in Western Australia in relation to homicide and to recommend desirable changes to the existing laws, practices and procedures.
