Open petition: Give Coroners Discretion to Restrict Press Access

Created by Rhiannon Palma-Cass
Closes on 10 January 2027

Give coroners discretionary powers to restrict press access when they judge an inquest as sensitive, and where reporting may cause unnecessary harm or distress to bereaved families. This should not prevent transparency of proceedings and an open justice process.

Bereaved families attending inquests often have no control over press attendance or how their loved one’s death is reported. In sensitive cases, reporting can cause further trauma, stigma and harmful public speculation. We want coroners to have clear discretionary powers to limit press access in circumstances where this is necessary to protect families and the dignity of the deceased.

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