Public inquiry resource

This is the first and only freely available resource on public inquiries.

This resource is intended to be both an informative primer and a manual for practice. Information is available on the establishment, running and conclusions of an inquiry.

Suggested pro-formas and protocols for adaptation can be found in the “Toolkit for Public Inquiries”.

Who is interested in public inquiries?

This resource is aimed at anyone who might have an interest in a public inquiry, whether practical or theoretical. Potential readers and users might therefore include legal practitioners, whether solicitors or Counsel to the public inquiry or those representing interested parties, core participants or witnesses; potential panel members; other participants in the inquiry such as families of victims, interested parties or core participants or witnesses; civil servants, policy makers or decision makers establishing Inquiries, or with other interest in the establishment and outcome of an Inquiry such as Special Rapporteurs, non-governmental organizations, members of civil society and campaigners and students of public law.

The authors consider that in addition to the valuable information sharing between the chair of one inquiry to another, there is much useful information that can be shared between people playing different roles in the Inquiry; for example, it is useful for the activist to know what considerations Parliament will take into account in deciding whether to establish a public inquiry and useful for the members of a public inquiry panel to be aware of the nuts and bolts daily activities that that secretarial staff on a public inquiry are required to perform.

Because it is aimed to be useful for such a spectrum, the resource does not presuppose knowledge of litigation, large volume case management, or any other areas falling within the ambit of a public inquiry. While some sections are necessarily specialised, the authors intend for it to be informative for all.

Methodology

The authors have taken lessons from a number of public inquiries. They have undertaken interviews with legal, secretarial and financial teams working on a spectrum of Inquiries. They have interviewed policy makers and civil servants involved in the establishment and monitoring of inquiries, Non-Governmental Organisations who have campaigned and monitored inquiries, and families of victims and other interested parties and their legal teams.

The large part of legal guidance is drawn from experience of Inquiries in the UK, and from UK public, civil and criminal law procedures. It is not limited to this however. The public inquiry is a relatively novel mechanism, with examination and inquisition styles that may be unfamiliar to those accustomed to UK principles and procedures, and so that authors have sought inspiration and explanation from other jurisdictions.

This book conducts a review of varied matters that have been the subjects of inquiries; both in terms of historical inquiries and those now established under the Inquiries Act 2005. It pulls together relevant law and practice, drawing on case law substantial volumes of litigation have been undertaken in the course of public inquiries, Hansard, literature reviews and requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2005 as well as invaluable, but often lost information from people who have taken part in inquiries – including the lawyers, families and politicians. In doing this, the resource shows the reader the choice of models available for a public inquiry, and in so doing draws out legal, policy and procedural principles and hands-on guidance for best practice.

An up-to-date resource on public inquiries

The launch of this website marks the beginning of an on-going resource for practitioners and everyone interested in public inquiries

Because the position of public inquiries is to some degree in its infancy, and developing rapidly, the resource will be developed and adapted to reflect new events and the lessons emerging from ongoing inquiries.

The site will be updated with news items relating to public inquiries.

Relevant case law developments will be summarised and analysed.

Call for papers and contributions on public inquiries

A dedicated executive team will be making and seeking contributions on all aspects concerning public inquiries whether they be legal, practical, anecdotal or political. This will include articles, interviews, opinions and pod casts.

If you would like to request a resource or submit a paper, or other contribution, please contact us.