A Practical Guide to the Law in Relation to Inquests

This book is a comprehensive but practical guide for all of those working in inquest law – from those instructed in their first case right through to those who have been practising for years, or coroners conducting their own inquests. It is neither a purely pragmatic guide, nor is it an academic dive into inquest law. It is both.

Accordingly it is designed to answer the most likely questions any practitioner or coroner will have, from the procedural (such as ‘what is a pre-inquest review?’ and ‘what does an inquest hearing look like?’) through to the legal (such as ‘what is the basis for an Article 2 inquest?’ and ‘on what grounds might a witness be granted special measures?’). These are all questions which the author has asked or been asked multiple times over her years of practice. In providing the answers this book draws upon statute, guidance and the most relevant and recent legal precedent.

A Practical Guide to the Law in Relation to Inquests follows the natural structure of an inquest case so that it is as intuitive to use as possible. Part 1 sets out the background to an inquest, Part 2 covers matters you will be considering at the pre-inquest stage, Part 3 takes you through the inquest hearing itself and Part 4 addresses matters once the hearing has concluded.

Specific topics include:

• What is an inquest? Its purpose, sources of law and background;
• Starting an investigation and opening an inquest;
• Pre-inquest reviews: content and procedure;
• Scope of an inquest;
• The duty and power to hold an inquest with a jury;
• Evidence at an inquest;
• The inquest hearing: selection of a jury, questioning of live witnesses and closing submissions;
• Conclusions at an Inquest;
• Prevention of Future Death Reports;
• Challenging Decisions of the Coroner.

  A Practical Guide to the Law in Relation to Inquests will therefore be a welcome addition to any bookshelf or work bag for many years to come.