10 May 2019
Senior judges rule to lower the standard of proof in determining suicide.
What: A ruling by three appeal court judges means that more coroners are likely to lower the standard of proof needed to conclude that a suicide has taken place. Previously they had to be sure that someone had taken their own life, but the ruling means they will now only have to be satisfied that it was “more probable than not” that someone deliberately took their own life.
Why significant: The ruling is likely to mean more inquests in England and Wales will conclude a suicide has taken place. This may make it more likely that coroners will link the deaths of claimants to the actions of public bodies, such as DWP.
Citations
Judges reduce benchmark for inquest decisions on suicide, Morris, 2019