R v Coroner for North Humberside, ex parte Jamieson

[1995] QB 1

Ratio Decidendi

An inquest is an inquisitorial fact-finding process and not a means of determining criminal or civil liability. The verdict must not appear to determine any such liability.

Fapte

A prisoner died in custody. The coroner's jury returned a verdict that included findings that could be interpreted as attributing liability to the prison authorities.

Rezumatul hotărârii

The Court of Appeal clarified that an inquest must answer four questions (who, when, where, how) and must not frame its conclusion so as to appear to determine any person's criminal or civil liability.

Citate cheie

"It is not the function of a coroner's inquest to provide a forum for attempts to establish civil or criminal liability."
— Sir Thomas Bingham MR

Tratament ulterior

Applied

Followed in all non-Article 2 inquests.