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Glossary

Glossary
  • Application for Leave to Appear – An application to appear in front of a Public Hearing.
  • Commissioner – A person, appointed by the Governor General, who oversees the Royal Commission and its work.
  • Evidence – Information given in a public or private hearing.
  • Exhibits – Evidence that is tendered during a Public Hearing.
  • Institution – Any organisation that was involved with children, including schools, sporting clubs, children’s services, orphanages, foster care, residential care, religious organisations and government organisations.
  • Issues Paper – A paper written by the Royal Commission that outlines or analyses an issue.
  • knowmore – An organisation that provides free, independent legal advice to people dealing with the Royal Commission.
  • Legislation – Laws or Acts.
  • Letters Patent – Official instructions.
  • Practice Guidelines – Procedures which the Royal Commission must follow.
  • Private hearing - A private meeting where Commissioners hear evidence from witnesses.
  • Private session – A private meeting where Commissioners hear stories from survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
  • Public hearing – A public forum, like a court, where evidence is heard by Commissioners.
  • Royal Commission – A special investigation into a matter of great importance.
  • Submission – A written response from an organisation or individual that provides their opinions or ideas on a certain topic.
  • Transcripts – A written record of proceedings.
  • Webcast – A live video of an event on the website.
  • Witness – A person who appears and gives evidence at a public or private hearing.