Investigative inquiry into a government department unfolds in open court In this excerpt, a royal commission-like process examines the Marine and Fisheries Department, its contracts, and the costs involved. The dialogue highlights how officials, counsel, and the court seek to uncover facts, ensure fairness, and protect reputations. This edition presents the practical mechanics of a public inquiry: setting the scope, gathering evidence, and handling how inquiries proceed across multiple years and branches. It shows the tension between accountability and the demands of ongoing government business, with emphasis on transparency and due process. How a public inquiry is scoped and planned, including which years and contracts to review Who participates, from counsel to witnesses, and how they present evidence How open court procedures shape the search for facts and proper reporting The challenges of scheduling, vacations, and court logistics in high-stakes investigations Ideal for readers of legal history, public accountability, and government oversight, who want a clear view of how serious inquiries are conducted and concluded.