Author: Bridget Dolan QC

M4 v The Coroner’s Service for Northern Ireland [2022] NICA 6 The privilege against self-incrimination is an ancient right firmly established in our Common Law dating back to the 17th century abolition of the Star Chamber.  This privilege enables a witness to refuse to answer questions in court and to refuse to produce documents or material at […]

Read More… from Risk of self-incrimination will not justify a witness’ non-attendance at an inquest

In the matter of an application by Margaret McQuillan for Judicial Review (Northern Ireland) (Nos 1, 2 and 3) [2021] UKSC 55 In the same week that Dominic Raab unveiled his proposals for a new Bill of Rights, Parliament’s intent when it enacted the existing human rights framework has also been the subject of scrutiny […]

Read More… from The Art 2 investigative duty and ‘historic’ allegations – when is the duty engaged?

Nguyen v Assistant Coroner Inner West London [2021] EWHC 3354 (Admin) Concerns raised about the adversarial nature of some inquest proceedings and the standards of advocacy displayed in Coroners’ Courts have led the Law Society and Bar Standards Board to recently issue new guidelines for all legal professionals practising in Coroners’ Courts. Those guidelines published […]

Read More… from ‘Assertive’, ‘unwise’ and ‘intemperate’ coronial questioning can be grounds for a fresh inquest

Mays v HM Senior Coroner for Kingston Upon Hull & the East Riding of Yorkshire EWHC (Admin) Witnesses often solemnly, sincerely and truly stumble over the words of the affirmation or oath.  Indeed many may wonder why it is that, when already feeling anxious at being placed in such an unfamiliar situation, they have to […]

Read More… from The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: If in any doubt, just speak up