header-logo header-logo

Limitations of neglect at inquest

10 May 2024 / David Regan
Issue: 8070 / Categories: Features , Profession , Coronial law
printer mail-detail
171871
David Regan explores the coronial role in defining the concept of neglect
  • Covers case law on neglect in an inquest.
  • Traces the evolution and scope of neglect.

A finding of neglect at the conclusion of an inquest can have profound implications, not least reputationally to those implicated in causing a death. It invariably carries with it an element of censure quite different from all of the short form conclusions that an inquest may return, except for unlawful killing. Neglect contributes to adversarial tensions in what is essentially an inquisitorial process. This is despite the fact that a finding of neglect is not a freestanding conclusion at all, but a ‘rider’ or adjunct to one.

That it is frequently misreported and misunderstood is perhaps not surprising considering its curious nature, as a judgmental finding in an essentially non-judgmental process. Although its application is relatively limited, the concept of neglect has played a significant role in pushing the boundaries of coronial law and in making the investigation of unnatural deaths by coroners

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll