A committee is a small group of legislators assigned to examine specific matters in detail, whether studying bills, conducting investigations, or overseeing government departments. Parliamentary committees include standing committees (permanent bodies focused on specific topics like finance or justice), special committees (created for particular studies), and legislative committees (reviewing specific bills). Committees hear from witnesses, request documents, debate issues, and report recommendations to the full legislature. Committee work allows deeper examination than is possible in full parliamentary debates. Municipal councils also use committees—either committees of the whole or standing committees focused on areas like planning, finance, or community services.