In the first briefing in our series on public inquiries (see here) we explained how a public inquiry typically commences and identified the issues to consider at the start of an inquiry. In this second briefing in our series, we address some process related themes we commonly encounter when advising clients involved in public inquiries.
Every public inquiry must follow a process which is lawful and procedurally fair. Although some points of nuance arise as between the different forms of public inquiry (commissions of investigation, tribunals of inquiry, parliamentary inquiries, company inspections, etc), it is vital that all public inquiries adhere to fair procedures and natural justice. Getting the process right can, however, be challenging.
