Amanda Gray has commented for the Law Society Gazette on the government's consultation on whether the standard of proof for 'short-form' inquest conclusions of unlawful killing should be changed back from the civil to the criminal standard. 'Short-form' conclusions comprise of one or two words on the cause of death. 'Narrative' conclusions are more descriptive.
Amanda said: "A potential shift in the standard could have significant implications for stakeholders who find themselves involved in a coronial process where these circumstances arise - often authorities or state-run entities are involved. The consultation is, however, an early step in the process - to assess opinion and gather information. There is no guarantee that changes will be made, nor is there an indication at this stage of a wider application to other forms of inquest conclusion."
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