Inquests take place when someone has died of unnatural circumstances. It is essentially a fact-finding hearing held by a coroner.

The inquest looks into who the deceased person was, when they died, where they died and how they died. The coroner will take into account statements from medical examiners, doctors, the police, amongst other sources.

Once an inquest has established what happened, apportioning responsibility is a matter for the courts.

Inquiries can go much further with its investigation than an inquest and has a broader scope, such as the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. An inquiry can take much longer for a conclusion to be reached and investigations often take several years.

Nicholls & Nicholls act for both private individuals and public bodies in relation to inquests and inquiries across a broad range of areas. Our practice is strengthened through our relevant expertise across regulatory and criminal law, as well as our well-established links with experienced forensic experts and barristers chambers.

Legal aid funding is available in certain instances, for example if Article 2 of the Human Rights Act 1988 is engaged (the right to life). Please contact us to find out whether you are eligible for legal aid if you need legal representation at an inquest.