Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

APPENDIX VI

This appendix contains the formal rules and procedures adopted by the Commission for the taking of testimony from witnesses. It consists of two main resolutions: the first governs the questioning of witnesses by members of the Commission staff and addresses both sworn depositions and sworn affidavits, while the second resolution governs hearings conducted for the taking of testimony or production of evidence, including rules for the presence of Commissioners, administration of oaths, issuance of process, witness rights to counsel, and the production of stenographic transcripts.

Commission Procedures for the Taking of Testimony

This is the title heading of Appendix VI, establishing the Commission’s formal procedures for gathering testimony from witnesses during the investigation. The section frames the two resolutions that follow, which together prescribe the rules for sworn depositions, sworn affidavits, and formal hearings conducted by the Commission.

RESOLUTION GOVERNING QUESTIONING OF WITNESSES BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION STAFF

Adopted pursuant to Executive Order No. 11130 of November 29, 1963, this resolution authorizes individual members of the Commission staff to question witnesses and sets forth the rules governing two methods of obtaining testimony: sworn depositions and sworn affidavits. The resolution establishes procedural protections including written designation of witnesses, advance notice requirements, the right of witnesses to be accompanied by counsel, and the preparation of stenographic verbatim transcripts.