Statutory powers to compel information, expressed in general terms, should be read down so as not to authorise the administration of interrogatories for the purpose of proving elements of extant criminal charges, absent a clear statement to that effect. This applies even where the defendant is a corporation that cannot claim the self-incrimination privilege, because the clear statement principle protects the integrity of the criminal justice system (via the contempt doctrine) and the accusatorial system more broadly. However, such powers may be exercised for pre-charge investigation purposes even if the prosecution may obtain an indirect advantage in existing proceedings. A mere advantage to the prosecution does not constitute contempt; there must be a substantial risk of serious injustice.
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