Commissions of Inquiry: Some Thoughts from New Zealand
Inquiries Conference, Queen's University, Canada, February 1999
Allan Manson and David Mullan (eds) Commissions of Inquiry: Praise or Reappraise (Irwin Law, Toronto, 2003) 153
Victoria University of Wellington Legal Research Paper Series, Keith Paper No. 3/2017
30 Pages Posted: 17 Oct 2013 Last revised: 12 Dec 2017
Date Written: 1999
Abstract
This paper largely concerns the New Zealand experience of commissions of inquiry, with some reference to the international experience. Regarding the subject matter of inquiries, the author makes a key distinction between investigations into conduct, many relating to criminal justice matters, and inquiries into broader advisory matters, especially matters of policy. His paper considers five main areas: the reason for using a commission of inquiry rather than another available means; the membership of commissions; the procedures they follow; some substantive limits on what can be considered; and judicial and other review of commission reports.
Abstract by Juliet Bull.
Keywords: Commissions of Inquiry, Royal Commissions, New Zealand, administrative law, public law, Dogger Bank case
JEL Classification: K23, K39
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation