Who We Are
The Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) is semi-autonomous statutory body established by the Zambia Law Development Commission Act Chapter 32 of the Laws of Zambia. We conduct research into areas of law for the purpose of making recommendations to Government, to enable the Government to make informed decisions about law development and reform.
The nature of society is that it is subject to inevitable change. Law reform is therefore imperative in ensuring that laws reflects societal values and needs at any point in time. In Zambia, this function is carried out by the Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC).
The Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) is semi-autonomous statutory body established by the Zambia Law Development Commission Act Chapter 32 of the Laws of Zambia. It conducts research into areas of law for the purpose of making recommendations to Government, to enable the Government to make informed decisions about law development and reform.
The functions of the ZLDC are outlined in section 4 of the Zambia Law Development Act. In accordance with the Act, the process undertaken by the ZLDC is research based ensuring that law is reflective of the needs and societal values of the Zambian people, and compares favourably with international best practice.
Where We Are From?
Prior to its establishment as statutory body, ZLDC was a Law Reform Department in the Ministry of Justice. The move to become a statutory body was necessitated by the need to have a semi-autonomous body with a full mandate to carry out comprehensive law reforms in Zambia, with a fully-fledged research department and support staff.
Although the Act established ZLDC as a semi-autonomous body, it is part of the portfolio for the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is charged with the responsibility of facilitating the administration of justice and promoting the observance of the rule of law. According to Government Gazette Notice No. 183 of 23rd March 2012, the Ministry of Justice is responsible for multiple portfolio functions including Law Revision and Reform. The ZLDC therefore works with the Ministry of Justice in the execution of the Ministries portfolio function.