Inquests

25 Bedford Row covers all aspects of coronial law with members advising and representing bereaved families, individuals, statutory bodies and corporate entities at inquest covering a vast array of complex legal and factual issues.

Our barristers are experienced at advising in matters arising pre-inquest, including interested person status, witness statement preparation, disclosure requests, as well as providing strategic oversight. They have skills honed in the Courtroom, and extensive experience testing  evidence in the most sensitive and complex of proceedings.

We represent Interested Persons (IPs) in lengthy and high-profile inquests attracting intense media scrutiny. Our barristers have appeared in many of the leading inquests of the last decade ranging from military inquests to Coronial hearings including:

• The Hillsborough Inquest.
• The Harper Denton Inquest.
• The Deepcut Army Barracks Inquest.
• The inquest into the death of two SAS members in the Puma Afghan helicopter crash.
• The inquest into the death of soldier Gordon Gentle in Iraq.
• Deaths in state detention (prison and mental health facilities).
• Deaths involving police conduct.

Chambers is experienced in challenging the decision of the Coroner in the High Court and has acted in judicial review proceedings arising from inquests in the Administrative Court.

Our expertise in this field is reflected by members who have been appointed to sit as an Assistant Coroner and John Cooper KC is the author of Inquests (published by Hart in 2011), which is considered one of the leading texts on the subject.

Our comprehensive service covers all aspects of an Inquest including: 

• Advising on pre-inquest issues, such as investigation and disclosure.
• Advising on the scope of an Inquest and whether a jury is required.
• Consideration and submissions upon the application of Article 2, ECHR.
• Facilitating access to statements and other key evidence.
• Ensuring the right questions are asked and that any important points of law are clarified.
• Our barristers are experienced in ensuring that individuals and entities rights and interests are effectively protected throughout the Coronial process.
• Assisting on the rule against self-incrimination.
• Advising on any potential Prevention of Future Deaths report.

Members of our team also have direct access accreditation, meaning we can take instruction directly from the public where appropriate to the case.

For advice or representation relating to an inquest or public inquiry, please call 020 7067 1500 or use the contact form on the right and we will respond promptly.