Parliamentary Investigation into Iraqi and Comparative Law

Parliament's mandate has shifted from a mere advisory body to a legislative and oversight authority that may emerge from its own sphere of influence or play a partner in shaping the state's public policy. Parliamentary investigation or fact-finding is one of the most powerful tools parliament possesses to carry out its oversight mission over the actions of the executive branch. Parliamentary oversight mechanisms lie in a set of procedures that, within the context of applicable constitutional legislation, enable members of parliament to exercise their oversight role over the government's performance. This type of oversight is essential in ensuring the legitimacy and integrity of the executive branch, with regard to preserving the public and higher interests of the state and society. Accordingly, the legislative branch possesses multiple mechanisms to exercise its oversight function over government actions. Despite the diversity of these mechanisms, such as questioning, interrogation, and investigation, we will address the interrogation mechanism, which is considered one of the most important mechanisms of parliamentary oversight. Members of parliament use it to obtain information on a particular topic. It involves criticism and accusation of the government, or one of its ministers, for certain actions. It implies accountability and accusation of error and negligence.