Bermuda is to get an independent law reform commission under new legislation passed by MPs on Friday.

Junior Justice Minister Michael Scott told the House of Assembly that the Law Reform Commission Act 2009 signified a "very crucial milestone" in law reform.

He said there had been a law reform committee since 1968, which was originally a Cabinet committee and was now an ad hoc committee appointed by the Attorney General.

But he said the Island was clearly behind international best practice by not having an independent law reform agency established in law.

The commission, he explained, would exist to ensure the development and modernisation of Bermuda's laws, to determine which obsolete or unnecessary acts need repealing and to ensure that all legislation complies with the Constitution and international treaties relevant to Bermuda.

It will review all proposals for reform of the law and carry out studies on improving and modernising the statute books.

Shadow Attorney General Trevor Moniz said the act was very welcome. "This is something which we in the Opposition heartily support."

Opposition MP Mark Pettingill, a criminal defence lawyer, also welcomed the introduction of a commission.

He said outdated offences such as "clipping" — a crime from the days of pirates, involving shaving the edges off coins to use the silver for other purposes — were still included in the Criminal Code.

John Barritt, the UBP spokesman for legislative reform, said the minutes of the commission ought to be readily available to the public. "We ought to be doing more to engage the public," he said.

Mr. Barritt said the Island needed to stop catching up with other jurisdictions and start leading, as it had done in the past. Members of the new commission will be appointed for terms of up to five years and will be eligible for reappointment.

A commission director will be appointed by the Governor and the Justice Minister will be able to engage consultants to help in the commission's work.