What happens at a pre-inquest review?
During the short hearing a member of the Coroner’s staff will give evidence about the identify of the deceased (person who’s died) and make preliminary plans for the final inquest hearing. These plans will include details of: the witnesses who need to give evidence. the time, date and place of the final inquest.
Why do you have a pre-inquest?
In some cases, we may need to have a pre-inquest review hearing. This is an administrative hearing to agree on matters such as what reports should be obtained, which witnesses need to be called, whether a jury is needed or if special provisions of human rights law apply.
What does PIRH mean?
A pre-inquest review or hearing (PIR or PIRH) is an administrative hearing that is typically held where an inquest is complex or involve a number of interested persons.
What happens at an inquest hearing UK?
The inquest is an inquisitorial process rather than an adversarial one; this means that it is an investigation not a trial with contested opponents. The Coroner and/or Jury will hear evidence from live witnesses who attend at court and also may be read witness statements from witnesses who are not present.
How long does a pre inquest take?
If an Inquest is to take place, it can be months (or even years) before the final hearing, depending on the complexity of the legal and medical issues. Most Coroners aim to complete Inquests within 6-9 months of the initial report of the death.
What is an inquest review?
An inquest is a formal investigation conducted by a coroner in order to determine how someone died.
Is an inquest a hearing?
The inquest hearing itself often represents the culmination of many months of work in collating relevant documents, statements and reports. During the inquest hearing the coroner will call witnesses to give evidence.
Can family attend inquest?
The family and other interested persons can be represented by a lawyer but it is not a requirement and most inquests take place without such representation. It is not necessary for the bereaved relatives to attend the inquest if they do not wish to as sometimes the death may need to be dealt with in graphic terms.
What questions can I ask at an inquest?
The purpose of the inquest is (a) to identify the medical cause of death, and (b) to answer four questions: who died, when and where did she die, and (perhaps most important of all) how did she come by her death, and (c) come to a conclusion about her death.
How long is an inquest hearing?
Inquest hearings can last anything from 15 minutes to several days. It depends what has happened and what issues need to be explored. Most inquests take half a day or less.
Can family speak at an inquest?
However, the witnesses may be represented by lawyers. The Coroner decides who to call as a witness. As part of the investigation, the Coroner will request a statement from family members, doctors, or anyone who may have relevant information and the Coroner may call that person as a witness at the inquest.
Are inquest results made public?
Inquests are open to the public and the media. Coroners decide who should take part to give evidence as witnesses at an inquest.