Statement January 27, 1986

Sub judiceconvention

Hon. John Bosley

Speaker of the House

Ruling Text

The Speaker reminded the House of the guidelines established in 1977 by a committee of the House. The committee stated that a Member calling for the suppression of a matter because it is sub judice should demonstrate to the Chair reasonable grounds for fearing that prejudice might result, and that the Chair should only exercise its discretion in exceptional cases where to do otherwise could be harmful to specific individuals.. Sources cited Special Committee on the Rights and Immunities of Members, First Report, April 29, 1977, p. 1:12. References Debates, January 23, 1986, pp. 10092-3, 10099.

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AI Summary

The Speaker clarifies that invoking the sub judice convention requires a Member to demonstrate a real risk of prejudice before the Chair will intervene.

AI Analysis

Holding

"The sub judice convention is not an absolute rule; its application requires a demonstration of potential prejudice, and the Chair's discretion to limit debate on this basis will be used sparingly."

Outcome: Other
Tone: Educational
Procedural Stage: Not specified
Significance

AI Keywords

sub judice discretion prejudice

Cited Authorities

Special Committee on the Rights and Immunities of Members, First Report (April 29, 1977, p. 1:12)

Tags & Keywords

#Debate