Booklet content © Victims Voice 2002                             Web design © Tim Finucane 2009

 

FOREWORD

to

SUDDEN DEATH AND THE CORONER

CORONER'S POST MORTEM AND INQUESTS

 

INFORMATION FOR SUDDENLY BEREAVED PEOPLE

by

The Lord Brennan QC

 

 

That sudden deaths will occur from time to time is a sad reality of life about which the law and lawyers can do little. That the law concerning such deaths need not unduly increase the distress caused to the bereaved relatives is a matter over which we lawyers have much greater control.

 

Understanding of the formal processes required by the law is one of the best ways that we can help relatives cope with the legal investigations. It is often in the public interest to require investigations into unnatural deaths. But it is critical for bereaved relatives to be fully informed about the decisions that they are able to make about participation in these investigations. It is also important for them to understand why they are not at present able to participate in other aspects of the process.

 

This publication goes a long way towards achieving these ends. By taking a holistic approach to coronial law, the contributors have provided concise information on all aspects of these processes.

 

I commend all those who have contributed to the research, writing, production and funding of this publication. It is testimony to their commitment to the development of a compassionate legal system that addresses all the needs of those who come in contact with it.

 

 

Brennan

House of Lords

London SW1 AOPW

 

5 December 2002