ABSTRACT
In this chapter we consider the possibilities for oversight of security intelligence agencies from outside the executive branch of the state. This had barely been contemplated before the inquiries in Canada, Australia and the US in the 1970s demonstrated the inadequacy of internal and ministerial controls. Legislative oversight had existed formally for some time in the US but congressional committees had failed over many years to provide any serious check on the autonomy of the FBI and CIA. Therefore real efforts in this direction are relatively recent and while some have produced energetic new institutions, others have been extremely hesitant.
