A coroner’s assessor may interrogate witnesses but shouldn’t give evidence himself. Citations: Times 15-Jul-1996 Statutes: Coroners Rules 1984 (1984 No 552) 20 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Coroners Updated: 11 June 2022; Ref: scu.88134
A prisoner had been killed in his cell by a cell-mate known to be unstable and racist. His family sought to be involved in the inquiry into the death within the prison system. A second prisoner hanged himself in his cell. His family alleged that he should have been kept on suicide watch. The coroner … Continue reading Regina (Amin) v Secretary of State for the Home Department; Regina (Middleton) v Coroner for West Somersetshire: CA 27 Mar 2002
Coroners are forbidden by the rules to make recommendations to a jury as to their verdict. Despite the fact that the coroner was represented at the appeal, the court refused to make any order for costs against the coroner. This was not a case where they could express strong disapproval of the coroner, there being … Continue reading Regina v Shrewsbury Coroner’s Court ex parte British Parachute Association: QBD 21 Sep 1987
The Coroners’ rule requiring a witness to give evidence in person did not stop the use of screen to protect the witness. Citations: Times 19-Jan-1998 Statutes: Coroners Rules 1984 (1984 No 552) 17 Coroners Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.87424
The coroner refused to allow access to the sister of the deceased subject of the inquest to the papers and statements in advance of the inquest. The fact that the rules allowed it but impose do clear duty did not mean that he should not look to the circumstances of the case, and recognise the … Continue reading Regina v Avon Coroner, Ex Parte Bentley: QBD 23 Mar 2001
A post mortem had been carried out by the defendants. The claimants, her grandmother and child sought damages after it was discovered that not all body parts had been returned for burial, some being retained instead for medical research. They now appealed an order striking out their claim on the baiss that it disclosed no … Continue reading Dobson and Dobson v North Tyneside Health Authority and Newcastle Health Authority: CA 26 Jun 1996
