Coroner’s Inquests & Inquiries

“Adept at providing assistance throughout investigations, prosecutions and inquests.”

Chambers UK

A Coroner’s inquest may be the only opportunity for the family of the deceased to discover how the death occurred. In addition, an inquest’s findings often shape the nature of any subsequent investigation or prosecution, or even whether one will take place. As such, every inquest is extremely important to the family of the deceased and also to any other interested party that might subsequently be the subject of criminal proceedings.

With expertise in fatal accidents, corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter and coronial law, as well as significant experience of the investigations and prosecutions that may follow an inquest, we act for organisations, employees, bereaved families and other interested parties at inquests across the country.

We also act in relation to public inquiries under the Inquiries Act 2005, which by their nature attract a great deal of media attention and, like inquests, can have far reaching consequences for those concerned. Our experience of inquiries and inquests, coupled with a recognised specialism in large scale criminal litigation, makes us ideally placed to advise witnesses and core participants through the lengthy process of an inquiry and to ensure that their interests and reputation are fully protected.

Expertise:

We provide specialist advice and representation to companies and individuals in areas such as:

Advising interested persons and core participants of inquests and inquiries, including regarding the scope and nature of the proceedings.
Responding to investigations of the Coroner or inquiry chairman, including compelled requests for documentation or other evidence (under s.21 of the Inquiries Act 2005 or Schedule 5 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009).
Advising regarding documentary and witness evidence, including the provision of material to assist the inquest or inquiry to reach the appropriate conclusion or recommendations.
Legal professional privilege and privilege against self-incrimination.
Challenging the decisions of a Coroner or inquiry panel by judicial review.
Reports to Prevent Future Deaths (formerly known as Rule 43 reports).

Case Studies:

Advising in relation to numerous high-profile inquests and public inquiries, such as the Baha Mousa Inquiry.

Advising a Major London Music Venue following a Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths Report.

Advising a FTSE 100 company regarding an inquest following the death of a child.

Advising a company and individual regarding an inquest in the context of a corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter and health and safety investigation following the death of a construction worker.

Providing pro bono advice to the family of an individual killed abroad in relation to an inquest where a conclusion of unlawful killing was reached.

Advising a family regarding an inquest with the potential for a conclusion of suicide following the case of Maughan.