Author: Bridget Dolan QC

Posts by Bridget Dolan QC

When can a Coroner re-open their own decision to refuse to hold an inquest?

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Flower v HM Coroner for Devon, Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon [2015] EWHC 3666 (Admin), [2016] 1 WLR 2221 In a welcome clarification of the extent of a Coroner’s powers to re-open an inquest after having decided not do so, the Divisional Court has confirmed that, where an investigation has been suspended pending criminal proceedings, […]

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Why a s.13 application will not get round the Judicial Review time limits

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Jones v HM Coroner for Gwent and others [2015] EWHC 3178 (Admin) The Divisional Court this week made clear the limits of s.13 Coroners Act 1988 when seeking to overturn and inquest. Where Judicial Review is the correct vehicle to challenge the decision of a Coroner then the failure to bring such a claim in […]

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Fresh inquests required where issues regarding dangerous appliances had not been addressed 

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Smith v HM Coroner for Cornwall [2015] EWHC 3475 (Admin) The important role a coroner’s inquest has to play in elucidating factors relevant to the death in a way that might then allow for the greater protection of the wider public is exemplified by this recent decision of the Divisional Court. Inquests into two deaths […]

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