Question of Privilege May 15, 1978

Impeding a Member

Hon. James Jerome

Speaker of the House

Ruling Text

While the civil suit has caused the Member certain difficulties, it cannot be said to constitute obstruction or harassment in the narrow sense in which one must construe the privilege of freedom from molestation. While there may be circumstances in which a matter arising outside Parliament can properly be considered as an extension of a proceeding in Parliament, and therefore be covered by privilege, a radio talk show would not be one.

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AI Summary

The Speaker ruled that a civil suit and radio show appearance do not breach parliamentary privilege as they are not extensions of proceedings in Parliament.

AI Analysis

Holding

"A civil suit and comments made on a radio talk show do not qualify as a breach of parliamentary privilege as they are not considered extensions of a proceeding in Parliament."

Outcome: Denied
Tone: Educational
Significance

AI Keywords

obstruction privilege freedom from molestation proceeding in Parliament harassment civil suit

Cited Authorities

Erskine May

Tags & Keywords

#Privilege