Legal Definitions - select committee

A select committee is a temporary committee established by a legislative body, such as a parliament, congress, or city council, to address a specific issue or conduct a particular investigation. Unlike permanent, or "standing," committees that handle ongoing legislative areas, a select committee is formed for a limited time and for a defined purpose. Once its assigned task is completed, the committee is typically dissolved.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of a select committee:

• Imagine a situation where a major national infrastructure project experiences significant cost overruns and delays, leading to public outcry. The national legislature might form a select committee to investigate the causes of these problems, identify any mismanagement or corruption, and recommend changes to prevent similar issues in the future.

  This illustrates a select committee because it is created specifically to investigate a particular, time-sensitive issue (the project failures) and will likely disband once its report and recommendations are submitted, rather than becoming a permanent part of the legislative structure.

• Following a series of severe natural disasters, a state legislature might establish a select committee to study the state's emergency preparedness and response protocols. This committee would gather expert testimony, review existing laws, and propose new legislation or policy changes to improve the state's ability to handle future emergencies.

  This is an example of a select committee because it has a focused, temporary mandate: to review and recommend improvements for a specific policy area in response to recent events. Once its recommendations are delivered, its work is done.

• A large city council could form a select committee to examine the impact of new ride-sharing technologies on local taxi services and public transportation. This committee would hold public hearings, consult with industry experts and community members, and propose regulations or policies to ensure fair competition and adequate public service.

  This demonstrates a select committee as it is formed to address a specific, evolving issue (the impact of new technology) that requires focused attention and policy development, rather than falling under the ongoing purview of a standing committee. It will cease to exist once its task of proposing solutions is complete.