Malcolm Skinner considers the options available once an inquest has concluded
With the enactment of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (CJA 2009) on 12 November 2009 a substantial reform of the law relating to inquests has begun. Some sections are in force and others will follow, probably in tranches until 2014. One area where there will be a significant change concerns what can be done by relatives of the deceased and others after the inquest has reached a conclusion.
Generally that conclusion is the end of the story but for some there may be dissatisfaction with the result and/or with the conduct of the inquest. Then there is a question of how to challenge either or both. Also there may be a desire to take the result further in terms of civil or criminal remedies.
With parts (relevant to these questions) of the CJA 2009 not likely to be in force for some while the current system and the future bear examination.
Thus the current system permits an appeal via the judicial review system as well as under the Coroners Act 1988
