Research Unit

The Research Unit undertakes legal review exercises on existing Acts in order to make recommendations for law reform.

A Terms of Reference (TOR) Paper is received from the requesting agency to legally review and existing Act.
The TOR is assessed by the VLRC according to established criteria.
If TOR meets all criteria, it is then endorsed by VLRC.
The Research Unit undertakes research and consultations with stakeholders to develop an Issues or Discussion paper which highlights all the legal issues that is associated with the concerned Act. Comparison is conducted with neighboring jurisdiction on practical approaches to address the identified legal issues.
Consultations is then undertaken with the general public and stakeholders in order to develop practical recommendations for law reform.
The Research Unit then writes up and issues a Report that compiles research, consultation findings, Analysis and Recommendations for Law Reform.

The Police Act [Cap 105] Legal Review
The Legal Review of the Mental Health Act of 1959
The Legal Review of the Matrimonial Causes Act and Control of Marriage Act [Cap 45]
The Legal Review of the Maintenance of Children Act [Cap 46] & Maintenance of Family Act [Cap 42]
The Legal Review of the Nurses Act [cap 262]
The Pardoning Regulatory Framework Report

So far for 2026, no projects and final reports have been concluded. Any other completed reports and projects over the years can be found on Paclii./

Our main sources when undertaking research includes:

Discussion Paper No.1 of 2025 – Legal Review of the Matrimonial Causes Act [Cap 192] and Control of Marriage Act
Issues Paper 2024 – Legal Review of the Maintenance of Children Act [Cap 46] & Maintenance of Family Act [Cap 42]
All others that have been finalized over the years can be accessed on Paclii

Final reports and published can be accessed on Paclii