Public Inquiry Lawyer
Aamer Anwar & Co. has a distinguished history of representing clients in significant public inquiries both statutory and non-statutory public inquiries with a steadfast dedication to ensuring justice, transparency, and accountability at all levels of society.
Public inquiries are formal investigations conducted by government-appointed bodies to address significant matters of public concern. They are essential tools for establishing facts, determining accountability, and making recommendations to prevent recurrence.
Being involved, however, is a daunting experience, especially when public officials or major public bodies are those you are looking to hold accountable. Having a vastly experienced public inquires team by your side makes the mountain a whole lot easier to climb, especially when they have a track record of success as strong as ours.
At Aamer Anwar & Co., we have extensive experience representing clients in major public inquiries, including the Covid-19 Inquiry and the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry and would be delighted to advise on any public law related matter.
The Role of Aamer Anwar & Co. in Public Inquiries
Aamer Anwar & Co. has been involved in some of the most high profile public law investigations and public inquiries ordered in the UK in the last few decades, with our firm of solicitors built on an ethos of pursuing accountability and justice for all.
Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry
We represent the family of Sheku Bayoh, who died in police custody. This inquest seeks to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death and address any institutional failings. Our role involves ensuring that the family’s voice is heard and that the inquiry leads to meaningful changes in police practices and accountability mechanisms.
Back in 2015, Sheku Bayoh lost his life in police custody in Kirkcaldy. Up to six officers restrained him, and his family has been fighting for justice ever since. After nearly five years of investigation, they learned in 2019 that no one would be charged.
However, their unbreakable determination and persistence, and pro-bono representation from Aamer Anwar & Co., the Scottish Government agreed to open an unprecedented two year public inquiry, which started in 2022. In a just society, there’s no room for anyone to break the law – especially not those tasked with enforcing it, and this inquiry is a critical test of accountability for those in positions of power.
Covid-19 Public Inquiry
We are proud to represent the Scottish Covid Bereaved Families for Justice Group in both the Scottish and UK Covid-19 Inquiries. These inquiries are monumental in scope, delving into the government’s management of the pandemic.
They focus on critical issues such as public health measures, the adequacy of healthcare provision, the safeguarding of vulnerable populations, and the broader impact of decisions taken during the crisis.
Our role is to ensure that the voices of bereaved families are not only heard but central to the inquiry’s findings and recommendations. For us, this is not just about legal representation, it is about advocating for truth, accountability, and systemic change to prevent such devastating loss in the future.
Aamer Anwar & Co. – The UK’s Leading Public Inquiry Lawyer
Public inquiries are vital for addressing significant public concerns, ensuring accountability, and learning from past mistakes. At Aamer Anwar & Co., we are committed to standing with those seeking justice and accountability through these inquiries. Our expertise and dedication to our clients ensure that their voices are heard, and their interests are protected throughout the inquiry process.
If you are involved in a public inquiry or believe that an inquiry could help address a significant issue, contact Aamer Anwar & Co. for expert legal representation and support. Together, we can work towards a more just and accountable society.
Contact Aamer Anwar & Co. For expert legal advice and representation in public inquiries, contact Aamer Anwar & Co. today. Our team is ready to assist you with your legal needs and ensure that justice is served.
Purpose of public inquiries cases
The primary purpose of public inquiries is to uncover the truth about significant incidents or systemic failures and to provide transparency and accountability. They aim to answer three key questions:
- What happened?
- Why did it happen, and who is to blame?
- What can be done to prevent it from happening again
Types of investigations in public inquiries
Public inquiries can be categorised as statutory or non-statutory based on their legal framework:
Statutory inquiries
Statutory inquiries are conducted under the Inquiries Act 2005. They have formal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence, require the production of documents, and take evidence under oath. These inquiries are governed by the Inquiry Rules 2006 and follow a structured procedural framework. An example of a statutory inquiry is the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Non-statutory inquiries
Non-statutory inquiries are more flexible and do not have the same legal powers as statutory inquiries. They rely on voluntary cooperation from witnesses, organisations and members of the public. Non-statutory public inquiries can be set up quickly to address urgent public concerns and can adapt their procedures as needed.
Key Characteristics and Procedures
Initiation and Terms of reference – Public Law
Public inquiries are typically initiated by a government minister, who sets the terms of reference outlining the scope and objectives of the inquiry. The terms of reference are crucial as they guide the inquiry’s focus and determine the issues to be investigated.
Evidence Gathering and Hearings
Public inquiries gather evidence through various means, including document collection, witness interviews giving evidence to the inquiry, and public hearings. Witnesses may be compelled to give evidence, and evidence can be taken under oath or in private if necessary to protect sensitive information. This evidence is crucial in forming the basis for the inquiry’s findings and recommendations.
Reporting and Recommendations
The final report of a public inquiry includes findings, conclusions, and recommendations. These recommendations are aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring that lessons are learned. The report is usually laid before Parliament and made available to the public.
Importance and Impact of Public Inquiries
Public inquiries are crucial for several reasons:
- Ensuring Accountability: They hold individuals and institutions accountable for their actions and decisions.
- Providing Transparency: Public inquiries offer transparency by making their processes and findings available to the UK public.
- Recommending Reforms: Inquiries make recommendations to improve policies and practices, helping to prevent future occurrences.
- Offering Healing and Closure: They provide a sense of justice and closure to affected individuals and communities.
Key public inquiries and related legislation in the UK
Statutory public inquiries
Just some of the other statutory public inquiries ordered in recent times include:
- Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Investigates the circumstances leading to the Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent responses.
- Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse: Examines the extent of institutional failures to protect children from sexual abuse.
- Manchester Arena Inquiry 2019: Established by the Home Secretary to investigate the death of the victims.
The Inquiries Act 2005 provides the legal framework for statutory inquiries, granting them powers to compel witnesses and take evidence under oath.
Non-Statutory Public Inquiries
- Hillsborough Independent Panel: Reviewed the events of the Hillsborough disaster and the subsequent cover-up by authorities.
- Bloody Sunday Inquiry: Investigated the events of Bloody Sunday, where British soldiers shot and killed unarmed civil rights protesters in Northern Ireland.
Contact our public law solicitors
With decades of experience and solicitor in some of the biggest public inquiries in recent year, Aamer Anwar & Co are the number one choice for individuals and organisations involved in public inquiries and investigations in the UK.
Public bodies should never be allowed to act outside the law, and we are fully committed to ensuring accountability at all levels of UK society.
If you are involved in an investigation, whether as a core participant, or as someone required to provide a witness statement or give oral evidence, we are in the perfect position to advise, with extensive knowledge of public sector litigation and practical experience to call on.
