Failure+of+existing+laws

=Failure of existing laws=

**1. How does the failure of existing laws lead to law reform?**
After time, Laws may become unnecessary or ineffective in society. Due to the values and ethics of society constantly changing new laws and law reforms must be made or implemented. Some laws may still exist in society although they may not be relevant and so they will not be implemented and enforced. These are known as Obsolete or Irrelevant laws. Although these laws are not relevant they can still be enforced at any time. The simplest response for this is to repeal (remove) a particular law. A law can also be amended to remove obsolete sections as well as poorly worded or ambiguous legislation.

2. What is an example of where this has occurred (explain in your own words, include links to other sites or images if appropriate)
__**'Byron's Law'**__ road rage and death of unborn baby Michael Harrigan was driving and crashed into Renee Shields. At the time she was seven months pregnant. As a result of the accident her baby died and she had to have a hysterectomy. Michael was not charged with manslaughter because at the time there was no law that would deem him responsible for the death of Renee's unborn child. He was jailed for 18 months for perjury and a maximum sentence of 6 years and 3 months for dangerous driving. After a similar case came through the courts there was a parliamentary review and the 'Crime Act' was ammended. The changes are referred to as Byron's Law. The new legislation //Crimes Amendment (grievous bodily harm) Act 2005// amended the definition of grevious bodily harm in the //Crimes Act of 1900// to include the destruction by a person of the fetus of a pregnant woman.