Closed petition Make inquests fair - Widen the legal aid scope for families attending inquests

Closed on 18 February 2017

The current system for providing legal representation for families at inquests is unfair and imbalanced. The current system allows public bodies legal representation, usually at public expense. Families are left without similar access & strict tests in exceptional cases for obtaining legal aid.

We propose that legal aid should be provided to all families attending all inquests, with a fairer test on:

• Whether an individual is financially eligible, in terms of their disposable income & capital;

• Whether other interested persons attending the inquest have legal representation;

• The circumstances of the deceased’s death & complexity of the issues.

We submit that the proposed wider scope is fairer & recognises the real need for representation for all families at all inquests.