In the Matter of Downey (Determination Of Costs) [2022] NIQB 2 Where a Coroner as defendant in judicial review proceedings merely provides assistance and information to the court, rather than contesting the proceedings, that Coroner will not generally be liable for the successful Claimant’s costs.[1] The usual rule of ‘costs following the event’ will generally only […]
M4 v The Coroner’s Service for Northern Ireland [2022] NICA 6 The privilege against self-incrimination is an ancient right firmly established in our Common Law dating back to the 17th century abolition of the Star Chamber. This privilege enables a witness to refuse to answer questions in court and to refuse to produce documents or material at […]
Read More… from Risk of self-incrimination will not justify a witness’ non-attendance at an inquest
Earl v Senior Coroner for East Sussex [2021] EWHC 3468 (Admin) When 22 year-old Jessie Earl disappeared in 1980 it was inexplicable to her parents that this very happy, family loving art student would just walk away from her home, her studies and her life. The suggestion by a police officer that Jessie had somehow […]
In the matter of an application by Margaret McQuillan for Judicial Review (Northern Ireland) (Nos 1, 2 and 3) [2021] UKSC 55 In the same week that Dominic Raab unveiled his proposals for a new Bill of Rights, Parliament’s intent when it enacted the existing human rights framework has also been the subject of scrutiny […]
Read More… from The Art 2 investigative duty and ‘historic’ allegations – when is the duty engaged?
Nguyen v Assistant Coroner Inner West London [2021] EWHC 3354 (Admin) Concerns raised about the adversarial nature of some inquest proceedings and the standards of advocacy displayed in Coroners’ Courts have led the Law Society and Bar Standards Board to recently issue new guidelines for all legal professionals practising in Coroners’ Courts. Those guidelines published […]