Chapter 18 Self-test questions

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Independent public inquiries are classified as purely judicial processes.

True correct incorrect

False correct incorrect

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Prior to the Inquiries Act 2005, inquiries could only be set up through an old statutory procedure requiring the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

True correct incorrect

False correct incorrect

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The Inquiries Act 2005 has been criticised for reducing the role of __________ in the inquiry process.

Your response

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In which circumstances might the European Convention on Human Rights compel the setting up of an inquiry?

Article 2 ECHR requires an inquiry to be set up whenever a high-profile death occurs. correct incorrect

Article 2 ECHR may require an inquiry to be set up in certain circumstances in order to satisfy the state's obligation to conduct an 'effective investigation' into killings. correct incorrect

Article 10 ECHR may require an inquiry to be set up in certain circumstances if the state does not have good reasons for refusing to do so. correct incorrect

The ECHR has no application to the decision as to whether to set up an inquiry. correct incorrect

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Who determines the head and membership of an inquiry?

The relevant minister correct incorrect

The Prime Minister correct incorrect

The President of the UK Supreme Court correct incorrect

The Judicial Appointments Commission correct incorrect

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In the USA it is regarded as constitutionally and politically inappropriate for judges to undertake inquiries. Why might this be?

Because this would conflict with the doctrine of the separation of powers. correct incorrect

Because this would cost more money. correct incorrect

Because the judiciary is notoriously biased. correct incorrect

Because judges do not have the relevant skills. correct incorrect

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It may be thought that all inquiries should be conducted in public; indeed, under the 1921 Act, this was a mandatory feature of all inquiries. On the other hand, there may be some benefit to conducting an inquiry in private. Which of the following might be arguments for such private inquiries? Select all that apply.

Private inquiries tend to be more prestigious. correct incorrect

Important matters of national security can be discussed candidly. correct incorrect

It reduces the risk of witnesses being put in danger from public identification. correct incorrect

Individuals may be more candid in private sessions, as they may be less willing to reveal embarrassing or compromising information to the general public. correct incorrect

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Which of the following form part of the 'Salmon principles'? Select all that apply.

Before any person involved in an inquiry is called as a witness, she should be informed of any allegations that are made against her and the substance of the evidence in support of them. correct incorrect

Any person involved in an inquiry should be granted full immunity from whatever findings the inquiry eventually comes to. correct incorrect

Where possible, anyone involved in an inquiry should be able to call witnesses of her own, and her witnesses should be given full consideration by those leading the inquiry. correct incorrect

Any person involved in an inquiry should have the opportunity of being examined by her own lawyer before stating her case. correct incorrect

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The absence of which of the following is regarded as partly responsible for the government's failure to follow up the findings and recommendations of inquiries?

Judicial involvement in inquiries correct incorrect

A formal mechanism for checking whether or not government departments have taken the requisite measures correct incorrect

A strict separation of powers correct incorrect

The way they are drafted correct incorrect

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What was it about the Bichard Inquiry into child protection which made it different from other inquiries in terms of monitoring compliance with its recommendations?

The panel required each of the major parties involved to report back periodically to them for the three years following publication of its findings. correct incorrect

The panel was able to rely on legislation which held the public body legally accountable for implementing the recommendations made. correct incorrect

The panel decided to reconvene six months after issuing its report and findings in order to assess compliance with its recommendations. correct incorrect

The government's response to the inquiry was challenged via judicial review. correct incorrect

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The Hillsborough Independent Panel is, strictly speaking, not an example of an inquiry; it involved investigation by an independent body with government support. What was it about the Panel which was thought to be beneficial to those seeking justice in relation to the Hillsborough disaster?

The investigation could be conducted quickly, with close involvement of the families of those who died. correct incorrect

The investigation could be conducted without Parliamentary approval. correct incorrect

The investigation could be conducted privately. correct incorrect

The Panel could bring criminal charges against those it identified as responsible for the incident. correct incorrect