The Law Reform Commission considers and reports on those topics referred to it by the Secretary for Justice or the Chief Justice. Its membership includes academics, practising lawyers and prominent community members.

Since its establishment in 1980, the commission has published 52 reports covering subjects as diverse as commercial arbitration, divorce, data protection, fraud and hearsay in civil proceedings. The recommendations in 26 of these reports have been implemented, either in whole or in part. The commission is currently considering a range of subjects, including conditional fees, class actions, double jeopardy and sexual offences.