The judgment in R (Maguire) v HM Senior Coroner for Blackpool & Fylde and Another established that states have a positive obligation to take appropriate steps to safeguard the lives of those in their jurisdiction as well as a procedural obligation regarding investigation and the opportunity to call state authorities to account for potential breaches. Read more about The judgment in R (Maguire) v HM Senior Coroner for Blackpool & Fylde and Another established that states have a positive obligation to take appropriate steps to safeguard the lives of those in their jurisdiction as well as a procedural obligation regarding investigation and the opportunity to call state authorities to account for potential breaches.
The judgment in Fernandes de Oliveira v Portugal held that a hospital failed to comply with its supervision obligations to a mentally ill patient who committed suicide under its care and this was a violation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to life). Read more about The judgment in Fernandes de Oliveira v Portugal held that a hospital failed to comply with its supervision obligations to a mentally ill patient who committed suicide under its care and this was a violation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to life).
The judgment in Lopes de Sousa Fernandes v Portugal set out that Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to life) is engaged in medical contexts where systemic or structural dysfunction can be demonstrated, rather than mere negligence. Read more about The judgment in Lopes de Sousa Fernandes v Portugal set out that Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to life) is engaged in medical contexts where systemic or structural dysfunction can be demonstrated, rather than mere negligence.
The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926 allowed the coroner to register a death in England and Wales. Read more about The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926 allowed the coroner to register a death in England and Wales.
Section 51(1)(c) of 9 Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Regulations 1968 specified the forms to be used and details required for death registration. A report to the coroner was required where there was a gap of more than 14 days between the last doctor's attendance and death. Read more about Section 51(1)(c) of 9 Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Regulations 1968 specified the forms to be used and details required for death registration. A report to the coroner was required where there was a gap of more than 14 days between the last doctor's attendance and death.
The Births and Deaths Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 stated that where a person dies "as a result of any natural illness for which he has been treated by a registered medical practitioner within twenty-eight days prior to the date of his death", that medical practitioner shall sign a certificate stating "to the best of his knowledge and belief the cause of death". Read more about The Births and Deaths Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 stated that where a person dies "as a result of any natural illness for which he has been treated by a registered medical practitioner within twenty-eight days prior to the date of his death", that medical practitioner shall sign a certificate stating "to the best of his knowledge and belief the cause of death".
The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 provided that a coroner has the power to conduct non-contentious inquests (where no jury is required) in writing. Read more about The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 provided that a coroner has the power to conduct non-contentious inquests (where no jury is required) in writing.
Section 3 of the The Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019 provided that medical practitioners are to notify a coroner if it is suspected the person's death was due to a poisoning, exposure to a toxic substance, the use of a medicinal product, the person undergoing a medical treatment or procedure, or that the person's death was unnatural. Read more about Section 3 of the The Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019 provided that medical practitioners are to notify a coroner if it is suspected the person's death was due to a poisoning, exposure to a toxic substance, the use of a medicinal product, the person undergoing a medical treatment or procedure, or that the person's death was unnatural.
Lord Justice Simon Brown suggested in R v Inner London North Coroner, ex parte Touche [2001] that there was a powerful case for holding an inquest "whenever a wholly unexpected death, albeit from natural causes, results from some culpable human failure") concerning a death which occurred in hospital possibly as a result of hospital treatment. Read more about Lord Justice Simon Brown suggested in R v Inner London North Coroner, ex parte Touche [2001] that there was a powerful case for holding an inquest "whenever a wholly unexpected death, albeit from natural causes, results from some culpable human failure") concerning a death which occurred in hospital possibly as a result of hospital treatment.
The Ministry of Justice Guidance for registered medical practitioners on the Notification of Deaths Regulations stated that medical practitioners should notify the coroner when the death was due to the use of a medical product. Read more about The Ministry of Justice Guidance for registered medical practitioners on the Notification of Deaths Regulations stated that medical practitioners should notify the coroner when the death was due to the use of a medical product.