CHAPTER 2 2.0. PRINCIPLES APPLIED BY THE COMMISSION IN CONDUCTING ITS PROCEEDINGS The Commission was guided in its work by the foundational principles applicable to independent commissions of inquiry. As has been explained by a leading constitutional expert: “Independent commissions of inquiry can be understood as a mechanism of the executive branch of government established on an ad hoc basis to inquire into and report on issues of public concern.” 2 It follows that Commissions of Inquiry are initiated by an executive order issued pursuant to statutory authority. Of importance to note is the fact that in principle, the power to establish commissions of inquiry is limited to the subject matters that fall within the constitutional jurisdiction of the government that wishes to establish it. As is the practice, a Commission of Inquiry has the duty to make full, faithful and impartial inquiry into the matters specified in the law that established the Commission. As explained in a leading international case: An analysis of the forms and functions of Independent Commissions of Inquiry (Royal Commission) in Canada 2 Francis Reginald Scott: 9 9