Standard of proof for the short-form inquest conclusion of unlawful killing

Overview

The Ministry of Justice is seeking views on whether it would be appropriate to consider a change to the standard of proof for the short-form inquest conclusion of unlawful killing from the civil standard (i.e. on the balance of probabilities) to the criminal standard (i.e. beyond reasonable doubt).

The consultation is aimed at anyone with a professional or personal interest in this issue, to inform our understanding of the ways in which the current framework is working and the implications of any potential change across the range of contexts in which the question of unlawful killing might arise at inquest in England and Wales.

You can read the full consultation document on GOV.UK.