Inquests Representation

In the difficult, and often confusing time following a death due to violent or unnatural circumstances, the Coroner will call for an inquest into the matter in order to uncover the facts. It is best to have experienced representation in these matters to ensure you and your loved ones are properly advised.

What is an Inquest?  An inquest is a fact-finding inquiry called by a Coroner which seeks to answer four questions: who the deceased was, when, where, and how did they come by their death.

A Coroner will call an inquest when: 

  • death appears to be violent or unnatural;
  • the cause of death is unknown, or
  • the death occurred while the deceased was in custody or state detention (including detention under the Mental Health Act).

The Coroner will seek to answer those questions by reviewing documents and records, seeking written evidence, and calling witnesses to answer questions. In considering how someone has come by their death the Coroner may seek to identify any lessons that can be learned from the death.

The CJCH Inquest team has extensive experience in supporting clients and offering advice during the difficult time of an inquest. We are sensitive to the reality of the situation and what our clients are going through, and offer our service in an empathetic yet effective manner – You can rely on us.

  • Inquests relating to a death where there is involvement with mental health services in a hospital or in the community
  • Inquests involving complex medical procedures and diagnoses
  • Inquests involving police custody or prison
  • Inquests before juries
  • Inquests with media presence

  • Advising on:
    • The inquest purpose and process;
    • Funding
    • Disclosure
    • Witness evidence
    • Experts
    • Jury
    • Article 2
    • Conclusions
  • Making submissions to the Coroner on:
    • Article 2 (right to life)
    • Witnesses to be called
    • Conclusions open to the Coroner
  • Representation at:
    • Pre-Inquest Reviews
    • Inquest Hearings

Sarah Newport

Sarah joined CJCH in October 2019 and is the Head of the Court of Protection department. Sarah is an experienced Court of Protection solicitor specialising in welfare cases. Sarah regularly advises in the most complex cases before the Court of Protection, including end of life cases. Sarah also has experience in Special Educational Needs and acting in wider public law matters, meaning that she is able to advise parents and families of young disabled adults in respect of the crossover with the Court of Protection. Sarah advises on deputyship applications to the Court of Protection, having particular expertise in personal welfare applications.

Jodi Winter

Managing Partner Jodi is the Managing Partner and Head of the Department for Family and Children Law at CJCH. In addition to being an executive board member of the CJCH Group, she advises and represents both individual and corporate clients and with over 20 years of experience, she specialises in a number of areas including Family Law, Public Sector, and Mental Health Law.

Do you need experienced advise and representation?

Reach out to the team at CJCH to represent you during this difficult time.