ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the implicit mental model that underlies inquiries. James Reason has commented on the tendency for inquiries to recommend the "writing another procedure" and the emphasis placed upon "blame and train". Reports from accident inquiries all seem to be able to identify a root cause and they always seem to be able to show that warning signs were available but, for some reason, were missed. The purpose or function of inquiries is not however that straight forward. The problem with the multiple functions of inquiries is that each of the other functions competes with the need to learn and therefore makes learning more difficult. Inquiries can be seen to have a political dimension. The processes used for the inquiries which are of interest here are judicial in nature whether they are judge led or not. A number of inquiries have criticised the can-do attitude of the organisation involved.
