A ruling sets out a final decision on a matter by the Inquiry Chair. It is often accompanied by an Order which puts the ruling into action.
The purpose of a ruling is to explain the reasons why an order is being made and to give formal legal weight to the decision (in case a party wishes to challenge an order).
Rulings can take a variety of forms, such as a discussion of a particular issue, or making a finding whether someone can have a restriction order over their identity. Usually, but not always, they are made in response to an application.
In the Inquiry, almost all the Orders are Restriction Orders relating to anonymity, but there are others such as Costs Orders.
Orders carry legal weight and should not be ignored or disobeyed. They continue to have weight until revoked by the Chair (or another judicial body if they are challenged).
As the Undercover Policing Inquiry is a judicial body, breach of an order is a serious matter and those deemed in breach may find themselves subjected to legal proceedings where they can be referred to the High Court for a finding of contempt.
The standard notice used by the Inquiry when heading its orders is:
PENAL NOTICE
If any person disobeys this order, the matter may be certified to the High Court which may hold that person to be in contempt of the Inquiry and that person may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized.
Any person who knows of this order and does anything which helps or permits any person to breach the terms of this order may also after certification to the High Court be held to be in contempt of the Inquiry and may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized.