Laura Neuman
03/01/10, 12:44pm
 

appeals

In the section of the model law regarding appeals, there is a suggestion to include time limits for both the Information Commission as well as for the Courts (under judicial review). See Secs. 49 and 51. I wonder whether:

1. it is appropriate to mandate timelimits for the Information Commission, as some appeal questions will take much longer than others dependng on their complexity etc. Even though the time suggested (up to 100 working days) is long - the time needed may depend on a number of factors, such as workload, staff, comlpexity etc. Also, might this encouarage some Commissioners to take the maximum amount of time, even when could rule sooner?

2. I do not know if legally, a statute such as this can obligate the Court's to a time limit (such as the 60 days that is suggested).

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these two provisions further.