It was established in 1965 to keep Scots law under review and recommend necessary reforms to improve, simplify and update the country's legal system.

The commission is part of the Commonwealth Association of Law Reform Agencies.

The Commission exists to keep Scots law under review and recommend reform as needed.

The commission's scope encompasses devolved and reserved matters, as defined by the Scotland Act 1998 and as such has a duty for laws that are the responsibility of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, as well as those that are the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament.

The other commissioners are drawn from those holding judicial office, advocates, solicitors or university law teachers.