Commissions of Inquiry
We love appointing commissions of inquiry in the Republic. But that is not a bad thing, and nor is it new. The Commissions Act 1947 still operates to this day, over 60 years after its promulgation – in fact, commissions of inquiry are (apparently) a feature of English law, dating back to the 12th Century.1 No surprise, commissioners and their investigative teams have extensive powers.
- If you are summoned to give evidence, or to produce any book, document or object at a commission of inquiry, it is a crime:2
- (without sufficient cause) to fail to do so, unless the chairman of the commission excuses you;
- to fail to remain in attendance until the conclusion of the inquiry, or until excused by the chairman;
- to refuse to be sworn or make an affirmation about your evidence;
- not to answer fully and satisfactorily any question lawfully put to you;
- to fail to produce any book, document or object in your possession or control required by the subpoena; and
- to give false evidence.
- Any person who wilfully interrupts the proceedings of a commission, or who wilfully hinders or obstructs a commission in the performance of its functions commits an offence.3
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According to Roderick Macleod, writing on eNews Channel Africa. See www.enca.com – ‘Parking a hot potato: Are commissions of inquiry (in)effective?’ ↩
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Section 6. ↩
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Section 5. ↩