Inquests

What is an inquest?

An inquest is a judicial inquiry that is held to find out where, when and how someone has died where the death is sudden or unexplained. The inquest can be conducted by a judge, jury or government official. An inquest is typically used where someone dies in unusual circumstances while in the care of the National Health Service, for example.

An inquest is not a court of law. The purpose is not to find anyone guilty of a crime. Rather, the intention is to establish the cause of death. Typical verdicts are natural death, accidental death, misadventure, suicide or murder. An inquest can be followed by a criminal prosecution, for example, if the coroner finds that the death is as a result of murder. The decision of a coroner can, in certain cases, be challenged in the High Court.

An inquest is similar to a court, however, in that there are witnesses and those appearing can be represented by barristers. If you are involved in an inquest, we can put you in touch with a barrister on myBarrister who has much experience of inquest and inquest proceedings.

Why should I choose a barrister?

Similar to court proceedings, an inquest is a legal process in which the barrister’s role is useful, if not essential. Your barrister will advise you on the proceedings, will guide you through the hearing and will use his or her advocacy skills to look after your best interests.

Which barrister should I choose?

If you need a barrister who is expert in inquests, choose a barrister on myBarrister. Start your search here and you'll be in direct contact with a barrister within minutes.