The word ‘independent’ has been part of the English language since 1612. So how can anyone be confused about its meaning 419 years later? But some are. The most muddled are those calling for an ‘independent’ inquiry into historic rape allegations against Christian Porter. They know, as we all do, that the NSW police began an investigation—not an easy task, thirty years later —but after being asked by the alleged victim (shortly before her suicide) not to proceed, then decided that was the end of the matter.