Inquest solicitors

Inquests are initiated by the coroner. If the coroner has decided not to hold an inquest, but the family of the deceased believe there should be one, it may be possible for them to challenge the coroner’s decision.

In most cases, the coroner will make the final decision, based on the evidence given and without the need for a jury. But the coroner will call a jury in certain circumstances, or if they feel it would be helpful or in the public interest.

Those with an active role in the inquest are often the ones who have questions. These people are known as Interested Persons (IPs). IPs can include family members, official representatives, and anyone who was directly involved in the care of the deceased.

Typically, IPs will have legal representation throughout the inquest. This gives them leverage to influence the questions asked and the evidence discussed.

Every case is different. Some cases are affected by criminal proceedings and some can take many months to be listed. The hearings themselves can last for days or weeks.

When all the evidence has been presented, the coroner will give a summary. The verdict will be decided by the coroner or the jury, if there is one. In some cases, the coroner may choose, instead, to give what’s called a ‘narrative’ verdict, or statement of events.

No, the inquest is purely to establish the facts. The coroner cannot find a person or organisation criminally responsible for the death.

However, if the evidence given suggests that someone may be to blame, that evidence can be given to the police or Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for use in a further investigation or prosecution.