Originally Posted by
tucumseh
The Coroners' Service says 'A Coroner will hold an Inquest with a Jury in certain circumstances such as when someone dies in prison or police custody or other state detention such as an immigration detention centre'. This differs significantly from other individual local Coroners' websites which add (e.g.) 'or in circumstances which may affect public health or safety'.
The former definition might explain the current case, but the latter would make it seem a candidate for a jury. Very confusing, but at the end of the day the bereaved rely on the integrity of individual Coroners. Sadly lacking in many of the cases discussed here (recent Hawks, Sea King ASaC), highly commendable in others (Hercules, Nimrod).
At the most recent one I attended, the Coroner had a WTF moment when the GP's report was read out, saying 'this 87-year old a woman...', and it was pointed out to her that the birth and marriage certificates said she was 57. She carried on, but in her decision said the GP's surgery was 'grossly incompetent' and had failed in its duty of care, prescribing the wrong medication. The GP involved quietly retired a few months later. If you want justice, might I suggest popping your clogs in Avon & Somerset.
Well you could apply that argument to any death, other than the driver, in a road traffic accident.
In the particular case we are discussing how wide would you spread the net? Just a few examples...
Was it an appropriate place to hold an airshow?
Was it only acceptable if the road have been closed?
Although apparently not the cause of this crash, was the aircraft maintained to an adequate standard to be considered safe to display?
Although licenced to conduct the flight were the requirements stringent enough?
Should there be a lower age limit, higher currency requirements, tighter medical requirements?
Should a civilian aircraft be allowed to fly with a live ejection seat (let alone one with expired cartridges)?
And so on.....
How much, if any, of this should be down to a coroner? Should there be a public inquiry? If so, who sets the terms of reference?
Where do you stop?