Conclusion
If you did not already know it, then in this course you have seen that studying law is not just about learning a set of rules, derived from legal authorities (cases, statutes, regulations). In order to develop a deeper understanding of the meaning of law you need to understand where the rules come from, and how the legal authorities develop. This course has shown how Re F [1990] revealed a gap in the law, how the Law Commission considered ways to fill that gap, and how legislation was eventually passed by Parliament and implemented, and how this gave rise to new case law, interpreting the legislation, and identifying areas requiring amendment and reform. Each stage of the process generates responses from academics, the media, politicians, interest groups and the general public, which may influence further developments. Understandings legal change requires an understanding of the historical background and social influences.