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  3. The Politics and Process of Legal Reform

The Politics and Process of Legal Reform (LAWS90307)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2026

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Overview

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What role does legal change play in the theories and practices of development? To answer these questions, we will:

  • study the history and evolution of some of the major economic theories of development;  
  • examine and compare the ideas about law and its transformation embedded in these theories; and  
  • study the politics and process of how these ideas have been put into practice.

Many legal actors, both formal and informal, attempt to define their political role in terms of resolving those conflicts, whether they be criminal sanction, administrative procedure, or economic rights. The ways in which they do so and the nature of the political power which they accrue go a long way towards explaining countries’ subnational and national political and economic trajectories.  

As a result, a significant amount of practical attention and money, both domestically and from international donors, is oriented towards legal reform.  Yet we know surprisingly little about how it works in real life – its politics and processes, its drivers and effects, and the roles and responsibilities of its proponents and participants.  

This subject focuses on the praxis of legal reform – the legal and political practices it relies on, the laws and policies it produces, and the ethical and political dilemmas that its domestic and international participants face. 

Indicative list of principal topics:

  • Concepts: Law, Development, Reform 
  • Development Aid and Practice 
  • Legal Reform: Politics 
  • Legal Reform: Society 
  • Legal Reform: Economy 

Intended learning outcomes

A student who successfully completes this subject should be able to: 

  • Investigate the translation of development theory into policy and legal institutions, along with the political and social choices embedded in these processes;
  • Analyse complex arguments related to legal reform and development;
  • Critically reflect on the moral and political implications of development;
  • Evaluate and synthesise cross-disciplinary knowledge and debates to address legal reform in development.

Generic skills

  • Advanced Understanding and Application – Develop a deep understanding of the evolving legal knowledge base in development; and apply cross-disciplinary knowledge to legal reform in development with creativity and initiative.
  • Problem-solving and research – Utilise well-developed problem-solving abilities, characterised by flexibility of approach and cross-disciplinary research and analysis about legal reform.
  • Communication - Effectively communicate complex ideas and theories about law, orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.
  • Autonomy and Accountability - Manage competing demands on time work with a high level of autonomy and accountability.
  • Engagement and Leadership - Appreciate the significance of knowledge for leadership and practice, its value to the wider community, while engaging with contemporary issues in society.

Last updated: 6 November 2025