Ruling
October 31, 1977
Urgent issue;sub judiceconvention not applicable
Hon. James Jerome
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
A key concept in considering a motion moved under Standing Order 26 is that of emergency which can apply to a sudden occurrence or an unexpected event. It can apply also to "the sudden and unexpected revelation of events which have taken place in the past, in that they might precipitate a course of conduct which, if allowed to continue unchecked, would certainly classify itself as an emergency and a matter of urgent consideration." This is according to a reasonable interpretation of Standing Order 26. To apply the rule too strictly would make it meaningless.
The sub judice convention has no application here because the body carrying out the inquiry is not a judicial body but an investigatory one, and because no decision of the Commission could in any way be prejudiced by a debate of the House.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"The sub judice convention does not prevent an emergency debate on a matter being examined by an investigatory commission, as such a body is not judicial and a debate would not prejudice its findings."
AI Summary
The Speaker rules that the sub judice convention does not apply to an investigatory commission, thus permitting an emergency debate on the matter.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Sustained
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Routine Proceedings
- Significance
Low
High