The need for systematic law reform has been felt by many Governments in the Commonwealth, no less than ourselves in Zambia. Those older Members of the Commonwealth, who have had the resources, have long established permanent law reform agencies devoted to the work of reviewing and updating the laws to conform with contemporary needs and to be an effective instrument in the development of the country. These law reform agencies have done commendable work from which we have been drawing useful lessons for those of us who have somewhat made a belated beginning in the task of systematic law reform.