Why reform now? A look at the history and the Law Commission’s proposal for a reform of testamentary formalities in England

In July 2017, the Law Commission issued a consultation paper on the law of will-making. While “the project undertakes a broad review of the law of wills”, its proposed reform of testamentary formalities is particularly interesting, for the last reform in that area — the Administration of Justice Act 1982 — deliberately decided to keep the law mainly the way it had been since 1838/1852. The paper explores this change of mind vis-à-vis the history of and the discourse about the law of testamentary formalities in England.

A sandwich lunch will be available from 12.30. The meeting will begin at 2pm.