Article 2 inquests and the burden of proof when the answer is “there is no answer”

In the matter of Hugh Jordan [2018] NICA 34 As the ongoing Maughan[1] litigation focuses minds on the standard of proof applicable for a suicide finding at an inquest, it is perhaps surprising how little thought is given to the issue of the burden of proof at an inquest. However, in the latest episode in […]

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Inquest Law Seminars and Training

Inquest Law Seminars Barristers from Serjeants’ Inn Chambers are available to present lectures and seminars on all aspects of Inquest Law. Our experienced inquest counsel, three of whom also sit as Assistant Coroners, are available to provide in-house training around the country whether small workshops at solicitors offices or at larger national meetings Recent seminars that have been […]

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This was probably suicide: the criminal standard of proof is no longer required.

R (Maughan) v HM Senior Coroner Oxfordshire and others [2018] EWHC 1955 (Admin) In a roller-coaster judgment the High Court has revolutionised the approach to the conclusion of suicide in the coroner’s courts and has determined that whether the deceased died as a result of suicide is to be determined on the civil standard of […]

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Sean Benton ‘Deepcut’ Inquest – Coroner’s conclusions returned

Deepcut inquest findings of fact and conclusions HH Peter Rook QC has today handed down his findings of fact and conclusions in respect of the inquest into the death of Private Sean Benton, a trainee soldier, at Deepcut Army Barracks on 9 June 1995. He has concluded that Sean died as a result of suicide […]

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Emergency Hospital Treatment & Article 2 Inquests: Fernandes applied to domestic law

R (Parkinson) v HM Senior Coroner Kent, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Dr Hijazi (Interested Parties) [2018] EWHC 1501 (Admin) In a tour de force judgment, that deserves plaudits for its several pages of lucid exposition of the application of Art 2 in respect of deaths associated with medical treatment, the Divisional Court have […]

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