Royal Commission, in the United Kingdom, is a body appointed by the British Crown to carry out an inquiry. Its terms of reference define its objects. It is composed of a small number of people who are unpaid. They may make inquiries into the operation of laws, alleged grievances, conditions within an industry, or social or educational matters. The commission presents its findings in a report to the home secretary. A royal commission cannot compel the production of documents or the giving of evidence unless it is expressly given these powers by Act of Parliament.
In Australia and New Zealand, governments ask the governor general or state governor to appoint someone to hold a royal commission and make a report.
