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Evaluate the effectiveness of law reform in achieving justice for family members, and include a description of how the law responds to different family arrangements. - HSC - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 19 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 19
Evaluate the effectiveness of law reform in achieving justice for family members, and include a description of how the law responds to different family arrangements.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Evaluate the effectiveness of law reform in achieving justice for family members, and include a description of how the law responds to different family arrangements. - HSC - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 19 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the effectiveness of law reform in achieving justice for family members
Answer
Law reform plays a crucial role in addressing family justice by updating legal frameworks to reflect societal changes. It promotes justice through various mechanisms such as legal reforms like the Family Relationships Centers, Family Amendment (Shared Responsibility) Act 2006, and Child Support Assessment Act 2004. These reforms aim to improve the outcomes for families by making processes more accessible and fairer.
Evaluating their effectiveness involves examining how well these laws support different family arrangements, such as single-parent households, blended families, and domestic partnerships. Research shows a varying degree of success across these policies as some families still face challenges in accessing justice due to complexities in law application and lack of resources.
Additionally, technology and societal values have influenced reform effectiveness. There is a need to continuously assess and adapt legislation to meet the needs of diverse family structures, ensuring equality and protection under the law.
Step 2
Include a description of how the law responds to different family arrangements
Answer
The law recognizes various family arrangements, including nuclear families, single-parent families, extended families, and cohabitation agreements. Legal responses such as the Family Relationships Centers provide resources and support for navigating family disputes, ensuring that individuals can access family law services.
For instance, the Child Support Assessment Act 2004 addresses financial responsibilities in diverse arrangements, ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Furthermore, laws regarding parentage and custody have evolved to incorporate non-traditional family structures, catering to the needs of blended families and same-sex couples.
Overall, while the law has made strides in responding to different family arrangements, ongoing reforms are necessary to adapt to changing social dynamics and ensure justice for all family members.