A board of inquiry was an official investigation by representatives of an agency, such as Starfleet. Such a Board would be empowered to investigate an event or person's activities for any alleged wrongdoing or criminal activity. After its investigation, it would issue a report and suggest possible action to prevent such wrongdoing from occurring in the future. It also would, if necessary, suggest punishment for any persons found to have committed or allowed such acts of wrongdoing to take place.
Nilz Baris threatened to bring Captain James Kirk before a board of inquiry regarding his actions on Deep Space Station K-7. Baris claimed the Board would "roast him alive" due to his alleged improper actions in protecting a shipment of quadrotriticale bound for Sherman's Planet. (TOS: "The Trouble with Tribbles")
- Since Kirk arranged for new quadrotriticale and discovered a Klingon spy, it is likely Baris never followed through with his threat.
In the 23rd century, some Starfleet ships carried a court reporter for the purpose of recording statements, presumably for later use at an official inquiry or court martial. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
An imposter of Captain Jean-Luc Picard doubted that William Riker had the evidence to support his attempted mutiny before a potential board of inquiry in 2366. (TNG: "Allegiance")
A board of inquiry in the mid-24th century investigated Captain Darson of the USS Adelphi for his actions after the Ghorusda Disaster. The board found the captain to have acted with "carelessness" during the disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 47 people, including Darson. It also found that Tam Elbrun, while not responsible for the deaths, should have been more aware and competent. (TNG: "Tin Man")
A board of inquiry was to have been convened against Beverly Crusher after she disobeyed a direct order from Captain Picard not to perform an autopsy of a Ferengi. (TNG: "Suspicions")
In 2370, William Riker was going to appear before an inquiry at Starbase 247 regarding his involvement during the Pegasus incident. (TNG: "The Pegasus")